For the third year in a row the country’s young aspirant actors have shown their talent in the popular KKNK Dramaweb SA acting competition, creating a challenge for the judges to choose the eventual winners!
The finals for Afrikaans finalists in this online competition took place on Saturday 18 June, with the English finalists battling it out on-camera on Sunday 19 June. The finals were broadcast live on the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival’s (KKNK) YouTube channel and is still available for those wishing to see the fearlessness of the finalists’ grand performances.
Ira Blanckenberg, owner of Dramaweb SA, says the final was a definite highlight and a privilege. “The youth brought their all and with their talent, commitment, empathy and hard work proved that this beautiful land of ours will flourish through the celebration of cutlure, theatre and creativity. We are immeasurably proud of the standard, each participant and for every parent and coach for their motivation and support.”
Fellow judge Athina Jansen was amazed at the talent shown: “From the confidence and bravery of the younger students, to the commitment to a character and the storytellers; from the tech-savvy students and those who wrote their own material, and of course the wonderful drama teachers and parents who showed support – I am so grateful I got to witness that!”
Waldemar Schultz, also a judge in the finals, agrees. “What a privilege to witness the upcoming talent of our country! Congratulations to all who participated – I am deeply excited to see the young players grow over the years ahead.”
Judge Marvin Lee Beukes reckons the standard set by the young actors is becoming higher each year. “This year I was blown away by the talent shown. From the youngest of them, who have only yet wet their toes in the deep waters of drama, to the older learners who can already jump in at the deeper end. It excites me.”
The winners are:
| AFRIKAANS Graad RR tot 1 | |
| Winner | Riley Verheem, Improv Studios |
| Runner-up | Chanté Benson, Laerskool Krugerpark |
| Third Place | Reine du Plessis, Improv Studios |
| AFRIKAANS Graad 2 tot 4 | |
| Winner | Leila Erasmus, Welkom Volkskool |
| Runner-up | Leila Palvi, Laerskool Gene Louw |
| Third Place | Marinell Wolmarans, Laerskool Gene Louw |
| AFRIKAANS Graad 5 tot 7 | |
| Winner | Luca Human, both from Curro Durbanville |
| Runner-up | Mia-Cecilia Kriel, both from Curro Durbanville |
| Third Place | Mabel Matthee, Rûens College |
| AFRIKAANS Graad 8 tot 10 | |
| Winner | Marelee Ferreira, Curro Windhoek Gymnasium |
| Runner-up | Rico Immelman, Hoërskool Noordheuwel |
| Third Place | Anomé Meyer, Hoërskool Noordheuwel |
| Judges' Prize | Zander Oberholster, Hoërskool Martin Oosthuizen |
| AFRIKAANS Graad 11 tot 12 | |
| Winner | Danelle Jacobs, Hoërskool Martin Oosthuizen |
| Runner-up | Ann-ne Venter, Hoërskool Durbanville |
| Third Place | Mariska Esau, Apex High School |
| English Grade RR to 1 | |
| Winner | Khanya Duvenhage, homeschool |
| Runner-up | Reuben de Jager, Parys Primary School |
| Third Place | Stefan Pretorius, Randfontein Primary School |
| ENGLISH Grade 2 to 4 | |
| Winner | Milan van Niekerk, Laerskool Roodekrans |
| Runner-up | Telika Kruger, Trinity Little Falls |
| Third Place | Annabella Stam, both from Curro Durbanville |
| ENGLISH Grade 5 to 7 | |
| Winners | Mia-Cecilia Kriel and Grace Lynch, both from Curro Durbanville |
| Runner-up | Rossouw van Wyk, Laerskool Nelspruit |
| ENGLISH Grade 8 to 10 | |
| Winner | Lillian de Valle, Grantleigh High School |
| Runner-up | Marelee Ferreira, Curro Windhoek Gymnasium |
| Third Place | Ethan Bester, Hoërskool Randburg and Unathi Mankahla, Hoërskool Parel Vallei |
| Judges' Prize | Lenadri Groenewald, Hoërskool Noordheuwel |
| ENGLISH Grade 11 to 12 | |
| Winner | Taylor Davids, Apex High School |
| Runner-up | Sakhikhaya Zingange, Apex High School |
| Third Place | Courtney Schelhase, Hoërskool Tygerberg |
The prizes, to a total value of R50 000, include:
BiB, Africa’s audio library which contains the voices and stories of Africa, is giving away a contract for an audio book recording to two of the competition winners (one English and one Afrikaans). The final chosen winners of this wonderful prize will be announced soon – watch this space!
30 gift vouchers (R300 each), 30 gift bags and 30 branded products from PNA
2 iGlide hoverboards from Exclusive Brands Online
5 gift hampers (R500 each) and 3 “unboxing” YouTube video opportunities from Yokico
10 gift vouchers (R200 each) from Bargain Books
2 gift vouchers (R1000 each) at any two N1 City Mall tenants
2 makeup gift hampers (R800 each) from Revlon
2 Volkano Bluetooth speakers (R780 each) from Dischem
5 gift vouchers (R200 each), and 10 gift vouchers (R50 each) from Wimpy
2 gift hampers (R400 each) from Clippa Sales
10 gift vouchers (R50 each) from Vida e caffè
The finals can be viewed at www.youtube.com/c/KleinKarooNasionaleKunstefees.