The 10-year-old Cara Swanepoel of Laerskool Nelspruit placed in the top three for dancing and won the junior acting division for Lowvelder Got Talent 2025. She also excelled at the National Performing Arts Championships (Sacopa).

Sacopa is South Africa’s premier talent showcase, drawing performers from across the country to compete in a wide range of disciplines including acting, dance, vocal performance, modelling and instrumental music.

Cara represented her province in both the acting and dancing categories, impressing judges with her versatility, stage presence and expressive performance style.

Her dedication and talent earned her an impressive seven medals:
• Acting: Four gold medals and one bronze
• Dance: One gold and one silver.

Her performances ranged from dramatic monologues and group pieces to expressive movement pieces, showcasing a maturity and creativity beyond her years.

Cara’s success at Sacopa not only reflects her personal commitment to the performing arts but also highlights the strength of local talent in Mpumalanga and Mbombela

With this national recognition under her belt, Cara is now a member of the hand-picked Team South Africa and will represent her country on the international stage at WCOPA in Los Angeles in 2026.