R18 million theatre for Youth Orchestra
Thanks to the National Lotteries Board, the Limpopo Youth Orchestra will soon have bigger classrooms for training and a theatre worth R18 million.
POLOKWANE – Thanks to the National Lotteries Board, the Limpopo Youth Orchestra will soon have bigger classrooms for training and a theatre worth R18 million.
This was announced at a sod turning ceremony last Tuesday at the Limpopo Youth Orchestra’s offices, where the project was handed over to the contractors, ACJ Architects, who will start with construction on the building soon.
Prof Alfred Nevhutanda, the chairperson of the National Lotteries Board, the first lady of Limpopo, Margaret Mathabatha, and Dewet Motalane Monakedi, director of the Limpopo Youth Orchestra attended the ceremony.
Frans Greyvenstein from ACJ Architects showed off the the new building’s plans and explained how they would go about the construction.
“We are hoping to start with constructions in June. The plans are ready and approved and the building, including all furnishings and electrical work, will cost between R18 and R19 million,” he said.
Simone Aronje-Adetoye, managing director and founder of the Limpopo Youth Orchestra said this year was really special for the orchestra.
“The orchestra turns 10 years old this year and now we will have this great concert hall. We want to thank the Lotteries Board for their continued support and for believing in us and our work.
“If it was not for the Lotto, we would not have been where we are now. Besides teaching music to rural disadvantaged children, the orchestra also helps to feed their families. The new theatre will be named the Motalane Monakedi Hall after our director, Dewet Motalane Monakedi,” said Aronje-Adetoye.
Nevhuthanda said the National Lotteries Board brings change in people’s lives and makes a difference.
“We encourage other NGOs that need assistance to apply for funding from the Lottery. We are very proud to be associated with the Limpopo Youth orchestra because they are always at the tip of our tongue when we speak of successful funded organisations or projects. All we see from them is greatness, hard work and dedication in all their projects and that is why we never get discouraged when they ask for our help. They make us proud wherever they go,” he said.
