Centurion Theatre partners with SA animal cancer association
“Animals are often better friends than people, so let’s help them by treating them like good friends,” says Saaca CEO Munnik Marais
The Centurion Theatre is turning 30 this year and is celebrating this milestone with its newly formed partnership with the South African Animal Cancer Association (Saaca).
The partnership will bring with it shows throughout the year in benefit of the work Saaca does towards animal cancers in Southern Africa.
The first two shows announced in benefit of Saaca take place on February 17 with HunTer Leite: Power Divas Tribute, and on February 25 with Die Hannon Roadshow: ’n Bederf-oggend vir Dames.
Saaca is a non-profit organisation that advocates for and funds research into animal cancer, as well as animal welfare outreach programmes such as their Soshanguve Youth Project which aims to teach youth how to responsibly look after their pets.
The partnership began when Lizz Meiring, a popular Afrikaans actor, did a show at the Centurion Theatre last year. While her show was running, Meiring told the new managers of the Centurion Theatre about Saaca and the work that it does.
Centurion Theatre said that the cause was one that is close to their hearts, as they had had animals who had sadly passed away from cancer.
The deal was a no-brainer, and a mutual win as Saaca CEO Munnik Marais has connections for shows that he organised where a third of the proceeds will go to Saaca. Marais also said that he hosts a monthly dinner with someone famous that he will now host at the Kelder at the Centurion Theatre.
Proceeds from the partnership will be used to help fund animal cancer research and produce educational content. Donations such as food and blankets are needed for a Saaca youth project that cares for over 200 dogs. This project also helps youth learn how to properly take care of their animals.
Marais was appreciative of the opportunity to work with artists through the Centurion Theatre.
“Thank you very much to the Centurion Theatre, that they were able to open their doors to Saaca,” he said.
“Animals are often better friends than people, so let’s help them by treating them like good friends. Centurion Theatre is doing so much to raise awareness of the many cancers that animals can suffer from, such as breast cancer and skin cancer, which is very common in some animals as they spend so much time in the sun outside,” said Marais.
The Centurion Theatre got a new management team in 2021, with Tiaan Kristen-Lubbe and Lian Sachse proving their dynamic and passionate approach to art for the community through their commitment to going beyond the art, for the community.
Kristen-Lubbe told Rekord that their partnership with Saaca is close to their hearts as they had experienced the devastation that animal cancers can have on families that include their “fur babies”.
He encouraged residents to support the shows and to bring donations such as pet food, blankets, toys, and other items that can be used to support projects such as the Saaca youth project. Funding will go towards research, education, and support for animal cancers.
Kristen-Lubbe said that people can even drop off donations at Centurion Theatre, even if they are not attending a show.
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