They went, they saw, they conquered – the Go!Durban Academy performers brought home 51 gold medals and 18 silver medals from the World Championships for Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Los Angeles.
The South African team, who competed against 70 other countries, won the senior grand champions of the world for group vocal and the senior grand champions of the world for group dance categories. The young stars attend Mqhawe High School, JG Zuma High School, Northmead Secondary School, Crystal Point Secondary, and Mvaba High School.
WCOPA is an international competition and is also cited as the official “Talent Olympics” for aspiring performers and entertainers. Countries that participated included USA, Canada, Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, Asia and South Africa. It was held from July 28 to August 6.
The GO!Durban Academy unearths and nurtures talent from the city’s most vulnerable communities, providing them with tools that foster confident, authentic, creative and environmentally aware future leaders,” said eThekwini spokesperson Gugu Sisilana.
She said Durban’s mayor Mxolisi Kaunda, joined by members of the city’s executive committee welcomed home the Go!Durban Academy performers at King Shaka International Airport on Wednesday August 9.
As the participants landed on home soil, they were greeted by family, friends and the mayor and his entourage. The atmosphere was electric, they were traditional ululations to celebrate their win in true African style.
One of the participants from KwaMashu, Sibusiso Msomi, who won nine medals, said he was grateful for the opportunity afforded to them by the Go!Durban Academy.
“The experience of competing overseas against other countries has enriched me and the other youth who participated. We now know the standard required of us to compete internationally and we have raised the bar,” said Mr Msomi.
Mr Kaunda said he was proud of the achievements of young artists. He praised their performance and encouraged them to continue to pursue their dreams and reach for the stars.
“We have shown the world what Durban can do. We need to maintain that standard. We are proud of all the participants, and we congratulate the team on their win,” said Mayor Kaunda.
“They bring home 51 gold medals and 18 silver medals; this is an achievement that deserves to be celebrated. These champions have raised our flag high and made us proud as they competed against other countries. With all the catastrophe we have faced in the recent years, these youngsters are proof that people of eThekwini can bounce back from adversity,” he added.
Mr Kaunda encouraged the youth to ensure that they also excel in their studies and not let their socio-economic conditions define who they are.
