A financial contribution from the Riverside City Improvement District (CID) through its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme made it possible for underprivileged learners from Mbombela and other parts of Mpumalanga to attend the inaugural VIBE Innibos Youth Arts Symposium & Expo.

Recognising the important role that arts and culture play in community development, Riverside CID saw VIBE Innibos as an opportunity to invest in the next generation of performers, musicians, dancers and visual artists, helping them discover, develop and showcase their talents.

“Riverside CID is incredibly proud to have been a sponsor of the very first VIBE Innibos. We are passionate about creating opportunities for young people to discover, develop and showcase their talents, because we believe they are the innovators, leaders and changemakers of tomorrow. Supporting their growth and helping them broaden their horizons is an investment in a brighter future for all. We are thrilled to be part of this exciting journey and look forward to seeing VIBE become a celebrated and enduring feature of Innibos for many years to come,” says Riverside CID Manager, Shivon Wiggins.

The impact of sponsorships extended far beyond financial support. According to Steven Schamrel, Project Manager for VIBE Innibos, “Sponsorships made it possible to turn a dream into reality – an event designed to empower young artists in their respective art forms. Without this support, VIBE Innibos would not have taken place, nor would we have been able to provide opportunities for learners who otherwise could not have afforded to participate.”

The inaugural VIBE Innibos exceeded expectations, bringing together 28 presenters, five productions, 18 participating schools, and renowned industry professionals, including Lizz Meiring, Peach van Pletzen, Barry Pretorius, Angela Revie and local Lowveld art aficionado Dana MacFarlane of the White River Art Gallery, who shared their knowledge and experience with aspiring young artists.

“We are deeply grateful to Riverside CID for their generous sponsorship, which helped launch what we believe is a truly revolutionary event. The overwhelming enthusiasm, talent and collaboration on display made it a resounding success and laid a strong foundation for an inspiring future,” Schamrel concludes.

Creating lasting impact through CSI
While supporting VIBE Innibos reflects Riverside CID’s commitment to developing young creatives, it is just one of many initiatives supported through the organisation’s CSI programme.

The programme focuses on six key areas: health, literacy and education, community development, environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and social upliftment. These focus areas guide investments in projects that address local needs and create meaningful, lasting impact.

Ongoing flagship initiatives include the Riverside Litterboom Project, which helps protect local waterways by preventing waste from entering the Crocodile River, and the Caring for Cats programme, which promotes responsible animal welfare through our trap-neuter-return of feral cats initiative. In 2026, Riverside CID also supported the Indigo Smiles Autism Foundation through a financial donation to assist children with autism and their families, and we will also be supporting GRIP with a special Mandela Day project.

Whether investing in the arts, protecting the environment, supporting literacy, promoting animal welfare or strengthening community wellbeing, Riverside CID remains committed to creating opportunities that make a meaningful difference. By investing in our Riverside area, as well as in people and projects with lasting impact, the organisation continues to build a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone.