Amoyo battles to keep their doors open

The Amoyo Performing Arts Foundation has been a lifeline for countless children in and around Hout Bay, offering them a platform to shine and build a future beyond their circumstances.

However, they are facing a critical financial dilemma, not only threatening their programme, but also many of the children’s dreams.

Co-founder and chief executive officer, Kim Conley, said the situation has reached a "dire state".

"To be completely honest and truthful, Amoyo is currently penniless and if we don't think of something, we might not even be able to pay salaries without a donor," Ms Conley said.

The foundation faced some similar challenges over the years, including a financial crisis that almost saw it close (“Amoyo in the red,” Sentinel News, May, 18, 2018), but Ms Conley says she is determined to keep the foundation running, calling on the support from the public.

"We have had so many people asking us when the shows are happening and lots of people enquiring, but when the shows are advertised, ticket sales are not that great," Ms Conley said.

Amoyo, which has previously won a ministerial award from the national Department of Social Development, uses performing-arts classes and life-skills training to put young people on the road to success.

The Amoyo Performing Arts Founday was established in 2015, becoming a beacon of hope, providing a platform for vulnerable children to find confidence, purpose and happiness through arts education. Their mission aligns with the belief in the transformative, uplifting and healing power of arts in education. ​

Luyanda Ntombile is formerly from Imizamo Yethu and had a 12-year-old niece, Justine, attending the dance classes at the Hout Bay Primary School, calling it "life-changing".

"Justine's mother passed away a few years back in a fire and she grew up without a father, so she really struggled to cope, until she heard about Amoyo," Ms Ntombile said.

"She used to dance from the house, all the way to school, that is how excited she was and she came back from these classes so happy."

Justine has since moved with her aunt to a different area, but continued dancing at her school.

"I received a job opportunity and we moved and the first thing she asked me was to find a school which offered dance, because ever since Amoyo, this child just wants to dance and become a dancer," Ms Ntombile laughed, with Justine saying in the background: "Dance is my life now".

Amoyo are now set to celebrate a decade of transforming young lives through the power of the performing arts with a production titled, Stargazing, which also serves as an opportunity to raise funds for the foundation.

Stargazing is a heartfelt showcase of the foundation's journey, highlighting their challenges, beginnings and triumphs over the past ten years. The production features a blend of acting, singing and dancing, offering audiences a glimpse into the stories and talents of the beneficiaries. It's a celebration of community transformation and the brighter childhoods fostered through the foundation's initiatives. ​

Ms Conley said the play not only showcased the skills of the young performers, but also sheds light on the foundation's impact on the community.

"It's an opportunity to witness first-hand the positive changes brought about through arts education and to support the continued efforts of the Amoyo Foundation," Ms Conley.

However, she added that ticket sales have not been too great and was hoping for more support.

"The show at the Artscape Theatre is more than just a performance. It’s a fundraising event to keep Amoyo’s doors open and its impact alive," Ms Conley said.

"It’s magical, moving, entertaining and you won’t be disappointed!"

The show runs on Friday March 28 and Saturday March 29 at the Artscape theatre starting at 7pm with tickets costing between R80 and R600 and can be purchased through Webtickets.