The Miracle Theater in Elandsdoorn is becoming increasingly popular. Opened in 2008, the theater – the first ever in a rural township in South Africa – is a cinema, theater, music school and AIDS education center all in one. As a community center, it is now a permanent fixture for the local population. Pensions are paid out here, as are cultural events, but AIDS awareness and prevention events are also held on an ongoing basis. Among other things, it is home to the Ndlovu Youth Choir, which consists of around 40 young singers and rehearses every Thursday in the “Miracle”.
Since last year, Sandile – a member of the choir – has been the event manager of the Miracle. And his work and above all his commitment are really making themselves felt. He initiated the invitation of other choirs to Mircale, who then perform there together with the Ndlovu Youth Choir, and is also doing a lot of advertising.
Movie nights are also held every Thursday. During Mandela month in July, films are mainly shown on the theme of Nelson Mandela, but of course other entertainment films are also shown. This is a big step forward for a small community like Elandsdoorn. You can bring your own food, but alcohol is expressly forbidden.
Sandile is also responsible for this series of events. His story is another outstanding example of what children from the community can become if they are challenged and encouraged.
Sandile is lucky – unlike many of his friends – to have an intact family home. He joined the Ndlovu Youth Choir at a relatively early age and became one of the central singers in the front row. Both his vocal and dancing talents stood out. But his enthusiasm for music and technique also meant that he worked very closely with Ralf, the choir director.
Finally, it was decided to give Sandile training in a recording studio (a donation from the Thomann company, arranged through the Hugo Tempelman Foundation), which would enable him to take over the technical equipment support for the choir and the Miracle Theater professionally. And it didn’t stop there: Sandile’s wealth of ideas and enthusiasm are overflowing and he continues to surprise Ralf, Hugo and the whole community with new ideas for events and uses for the Miracle Theater.
Sandile performing at the South African Embassy in Berlin in April 2015
He is creative but also responsible at the same time. For example, the ICE AGE movie will be shown for the little ones at the end of the month. To ensure that they get home safely and that it doesn’t run too late for the children, the event has been moved to the afternoon.
