Young star on rise
EASTERN Cape-born Sibusiso Mxosana is one of the six finalists who have made it to the shortlist for the 2013 Arts & Culture (ACT) performing arts scholarship initiative.
Three of the finalists are from the Western Cape and the other two from KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. They will compete for one of three performing arts scholarships with a combined value of R315000.
ACT Awards, which are sponsored by the Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Rights Organisation (Dalro) and Nedbank Arts Affinity, are held annually in recognition and celebration of excellence in South African arts, culture and creativity.
Since 1998, the ACT Awards have recognised more than 350 individuals and organisations which have made significant contributions to cultural life in South Africa.
Mxosana, 18, a Grade 12 pupil at Lady Grey Arts Academy, said he could not believe that he was one of the finalists.
"When my drama teacher, Johan Hattingh, entered me into this competition, I did not think it would go far ... being in the finals feels like I have achieved something very big," he said.
Mxosana enrolled at the Lady Grey Arts Academy four years ago to pursue his passion for dancing, acting and singing.
Last year he passed his intermediate ballet exam at the London Royal Academy of Dance where he received a bursary for outstanding work. He also received a triple gold medal at the Bloemfontein Eisteddfod for Light Music this year.
With support from ACT, Dalro and Nedbank Arts Affinity, the three bursary winners will be given a chance to study a performing arts course at their choice of a South African tertiary institution. They will also receive other practical support.
Dalro's Andre Cloete said: "When the programme was started, the objective was simply to give a deserving candidate the chance to make his or her dreams come true by facilitating their education in the performing arts.
"Dalro is proud to be associated with this programme. We go all over [South Africa] every year to find six hopefuls."
The final event, which will be from September 24 to October 1, will be hosted by UJ Arts & Culture at the University of Johannesburg.