WATCH: Alberton community champions honoured at Cantare Children’s Choir Awards
The Cantare Children’s Choir Awards celebrated individuals, artists and young choir members who are making a meaningful impact in the Alberton community.
The Cantare Children’s Choir Awards celebrated individuals and organisations making a meaningful difference in the Alberton community during a special ceremony held at LewenSentrum on March 7.
The annual event recognises people whose dedication, service and leadership help uplift communities and inspire social change.
@albertonrecordThe Cantare Children’s Choir Awards celebrated individuals and organisations making a meaningful difference in the Alberton community during a special ceremony held at LewenSentrum on March 7. The annual event recognises people whose dedication, service and leadership help uplift communities and inspire social change. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za♬ original sound – Alberton Record
Guests were treated to an evening of music and celebration, with radio and television personality Magda van Biljon among the special guests in attendance.
@albertonrecordThe evening featured performances by acclaimed artists, including opera singer Coert Grobbelaar and cellist Florin Hodobet, adding a touch of classical elegance to the ceremony. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za♬ original sound – Alberton Record
The evening featured performances by acclaimed artists, including opera singer Coert Grobbelaar and cellist Florin Hodobet, adding a touch of classical elegance to the ceremony.
Choirs also filled the venue with music, including the South Rand Youth Choir under the direction of Irene Morrick, the Harmonia Girls’ Choir and the Cantare Children’s Choirs.
Members of the Cantare Children’s Choir were also recognised during the event for their dedication and contribution to music.
Several children received pins, while others were awarded medals in acknowledgement of their achievements.
Community leaders recognised
Among the individuals recognised was Jayce Moodley, chairperson of the Social Upliftment Project, who has built a reputation for compassionate and hands-on community service.
Through his leadership, the organisation provides support to vulnerable seniors, families facing crisis, and individuals experiencing food insecurity.
Moodley mobilises volunteers, coordinates resources and oversees initiatives such as food hamper distributions, senior support programmes and community upliftment events.
@albertonrecordThe Cantare Children’s Choir Awards celebrated individuals, artists and young choir members who are making a meaningful impact in the Alberton community. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za♬ original sound – Alberton Record
He also serves as co-leader of the Save Our Daughters Forum in Greater Alberton, advocating for the protection and empowerment of women and girls while working with community stakeholders to address social challenges.
His leadership is guided by values of integrity, compassion, accountability and community collaboration.
Young community champion
Young community leader Viki Uys, crowned Miss Junior Alberton Second Princess, as well as Miss Charity and Miss Personality 2025, was also recognised for her dedication to community service.
Uys began her volunteer work by helping clean the Turffontein Concentration Camp cemetery with the Voortrekkers, where volunteers raked leaves and cleaned graves. She later assisted at a soup kitchen during Mandela Day, where she helped serve food to people in need.
One of her biggest initiatives supported the Rock of Hope Children’s Home, which cares for children rescued from difficult circumstances.
@albertonrecordChoirs also filled the venue with music, including the South Rand Youth Choir under the direction of Irene Morrick, the Harmonia Girls’ Choir and the Cantare Children’s Choirs. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za
Through organising a festival and a raffle, Uys raised R7 900 for the children’s home.
She also collected clothing and baby products, donating six bags of items to the facility.
Music and education contributions
Teacher Gloria Mshuqwana, from Mogobeng Primary School in Katlehong, was recognised for her work in music and education.
She is the choir conductor of the Cantare Pilot Choir in Katlehong, the Zekhethelo Children’s Choir, and has led her school choir to success in the South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod (SASCE).
Since 2012, her choir has consistently achieved Gauteng champion status while also participating in national finals and achieving several second-place results.
Celebrating arts and culture
Other honourees included Franz Geldenhuys, an accomplished musician and choir leader from Vanderbijlpark who has performed internationally in the United States, Europe and South Korea.
Geldenhuys holds diplomas from the International Voice Institute in San Francisco and in opera performance.
He leads several choirs and runs the FZ Music Academy while serving as music director of the NG Driehoek congregation.
Veteran photographer and filmmaker Marais Wessels was also recognised for his contribution to visual storytelling and the arts.
Raised in Alberton, Wessels began his career as a war photographer in the South African Army before joining the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) as a television cameraman.
His career later included working with Transnet and South African Airways on film projects locally and internationally.
He later co-founded the production company Vision by Light, producing more than 200 commercials and various television productions.
Through his platform Art Street Music, Wessels continues to support local musicians, authors and artists while promoting live performances in Alberton.
Celebrating talent
Professional singer Dieketseng ‘Dieke’ Bolofo was also recognised for her achievements in the music industry.
Bolofo, who trained at the National School of the Arts in Johannesburg, has performed internationally and built a reputation as a versatile performer across multiple genres, including jazz, pop, gospel, musical theatre and classical music.
@albertonrecordCelebrating talent Professional singer Dieketseng ‘Dieke’ Bolofo was also recognised for her achievements in the music industry. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za♬ original sound – Alberton Record
Her career includes performances in the West End production of The Wizard of Oz in Dubai and appearances in concerts and international conferences.
Award recipients
The Primea Excellentia Award was presented to Jayce Moodley and Viki Uys for their outstanding community service and leadership.
The Corona Award was awarded to Dieketseng Bolofo, Gloria Mshuqwana, Franz Geldenhuys and Marais Wessels for their contributions to music, education, the arts and community development.
Magda van Biljon received the Laureate Award in recognition of her remarkable career and contribution to the entertainment industry.
The Cantare Children’s Choir Awards continue to celebrate individuals whose dedication and talent help uplift communities while inspiring others to make a positive difference.
