Rachel Saskia Mathi has been singing for as long as she can remember, with her mother, Keshnie, saying the music started before she could talk.

Today, the Grade 9 learner at Pinnacle College Linden is turning that early love into impressive achievements, including Gauteng colours through the Performing Arts Association of South Africa and platinum ratings, the highest available, in three sections. “I was absolutely shook,” Rachel said of finding out about her results. “This is my first time receiving platinum since I started competing, and I was overjoyed.”

Rachel competed in two entries in the open category and one in the Broadway category. Her favourite genre is musical theatre, where performers must combine vocal ability with animation and character.

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Behind the excitement of performing lies plenty of hard work. Balancing schoolwork with auditions, rehearsals and competition preparation can be challenging, particularly during the busy competition season. Rachel said she has learnt to concentrate on what needs to be done, even when she would rather be spending her time in a theatre. Her talent has taken her into musical theatre, including a recent role as Player Six, an adventurous character, in Dare to Dream! at the National Children’s Theatre.

Rachel described the production as an incredible experience, praising the cast and creative team. She particularly enjoys seeing excited and proud faces in the audience. When asked to choose her most memorable performing moment, she said: “All of the moments in my journey have been cinematic.”

Her journey began with primary school talent shows before she moved into Kids with Talent and competitive performing arts three years ago. She has represented South Africa internationally over the past two years, achieving higher gold ratings, and this year won her section at the National Eisteddfod of South Africa after being selected for the Young Performers Awards.

Her mother, Keshnie, has been alongside her throughout the journey, managing the demanding schedule of school, auditions and rehearsals. “I call myself a M-Uber because it feels like a full-time job scheduling practices, auditions, school responsibilities and everyday life,” she said.

For Keshnie, however, the greatest achievement is not simply the awards. “I am most proud that she remains kind, that she is always helping others and that she stays rooted in her faith through it all,” she said.

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Rachel also uses her talent to bring music to care centres for older people, children and inclusive education spaces. While she hopes to continue singing and acting, she is also considering studying health sciences, possibly occupational therapy, speech therapy or audiology, and working with children. Whatever path she chooses, music will remain part of her plans.

Her advice to other young people who dream of performing, but feel nervous, is to start small and give it a chance. “Whether it is performing at a family gathering or a school talent show, I believe everyone should give it a chance.”

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