The Arts is a vital yet often overlooked field. Most if not all of our entertainment comes from this industry – whether that is books, movies, dance or music. For many communities, it is a great tool for keeping children off the streets and forms a huge part of community development.
The Sibikwa Arts Academy, situated in Benoni, is an award winning arts and culture centre, which provides vocational training in the performing arts, arts education, and community development through the creation of innovative South African performance pieces.
“The Saturday Arts Academy Programme is geared to develop children through the arts to teach them to focus, to concentrate and to attain certain goals,” says Phyllis Klotz, Co-founder of the Sibikwa Arts Centre, while explaining the fundamental role of the centre.
Throughout the lifespan of the centre, Total South Africa has played a significant role in its lasting legacy. The foundation of Total’s social investment is to ensure that they nurture long standing relationships that result in lasting growth. Their social investments are focused in these key areas: youth education, environmental conservation, heritage, road safety and entrepreneurial development.
Phyllis is passionate about making a lasting impact in the lives of the youngsters that come to the centre. With more than 20 years of fulfilling commitment, Klotz values the incredible work they have been able to achieve.
“So, when I meet a young person who comes from quite an impoverished background with very little idea about how the system works and they say to me, ‘you develop me as a person, with confidence, and have the ability to communicate.’ That is when I feel very, very proud and successful,” says Klotz.