Testimonials
Amoyo means “spirit of appreciation” and this philosophy underpins everything that we do.
Beneficiary: Sovuna Booi
“Greetings. My name is Sovuna Booi. I have been with Amoyo for about 8 years now. Amoyo has offered me more chances to reveal and express my emotions through dance. Amoyo is not just a dance programme after school, it’s more than that. It shaped me into the person I am today, confident, well-versed, valid, and willing to adapt and change with new challenges.”
Parent: Neliswa Mpambani
“My name is Neliswa Mpambani. I am a 48-year-old single parent and I would like to write this testimonial about my daughter who has been attending the Amoyo Foundation since 2022. Her name is Nam Mpambani, a 17 years old girl. She enjoys dancing, singing and acting as well. She never knew how to dance, or how to communicate before. But now she has improved in communicating with people around her. I like her performance and she really likes playing and having fun with children in her community and also enjoys teaching them how to dance.”
Industry ambassador: Delia Sainsbury
Director of The Waterfront Theatre School (WTS)
It was Delia, a Fellow of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing in London, who originally suggested that Amoyo should not only offer dance classes but, rather, a full performing arts programme. WTS now works closely with Amoyo to assist with qualified teachers; it also offers bursaries to our outstanding students, enabling them to pursue a sustained career in the performing arts.
“I have been thrilled, humbled and excited by the establishment of Amoyo. The development of the students in all performing arts genres has already been nothing short of astounding. It is incredible to see the level of dance, drama and musical theatre that had been produced under the most difficult of circumstances. I fully support all of Amoyo’s fundraising and sponsorship efforts and do not hesitate to recommend the school for assistance in any way. It is a unique project and of invaluable service to the community as a whole.”
Beneficiary: Mpokiseng Rawu
“My name is Mpokiseng Rawu and I have been dancing for 5 years. Amoyo Performing Arts Foundation has helped me with emotional confidence and Amoyo has become a second home to me.”
Industry ambassador: Duane Alexander
LAMTA Director of Musical Theatre Workshop
In addition to being a highly acclaimed performer, Duane works as a lecturer, teacher and choreographer at The Cape Academy of Performing Arts as well as in film/television and children’s theatre productions.
“We at Musical Theatre Workshop are incredibly impressed by the talented kids of Amoyo. In the midst of certain adversities, these children and teenagers have managed to acquire a passion for the arts, and it is without doubt a result of the love and care they get from their teachers and facilitators at Amoyo. These amazing people are inspiring a whole community and new generation of performing artists and their families. What they achieve, with the limited resources they have, is incredible and needs to be recognised and applauded. Amoyo is more than just a Performing Arts Foundation; it is a ‘home’ to a whole group of kids who have found a new ‘family’ of support, love, encouragement and kindness.”
Parent: Gcobisa Joyce
“Amoyo teaches our children about respect, how to dance, singing and drama. It encourages them to have a purpose in life and to have goals for the future. Since joining Amoyo my child is happy – he enjoys it. I don’t push him at all, instead he keeps asking me, what time is it now? Can I go yet?
Thank you so much to all of you at Amoyo and I’m glad I let my child join Amoyo because I know my child is in good hands. Being a single mom raising a boy is tough but if he stays at Amoyo and listens to your teachings he’s got a great future ahead of him. Thank you so much for being an inspiration to our children. Keep up the good work – God will bless you”
Beneficiary: Thandwayo Femela
Hi my name is Thandwayo Femela. I have been dancing for 2 years. I love Amoyo, and Amoyo is not all about dancing but also a Foundation that makes you feel good as a person.
Industry ambassador: Kweku Mandela Amuah
Head of Development/Partner at Out Of Africa Entertainment
Kweku is not “merely” Nelson Mandela’s grandson. He is co-founder of the Africa Rising Foundation, which is committed to publicizing the positive image of Africa through publications, films, media and social interaction, thereby also instilling and heightening a sense of pride and purpose in young Africans. He is also the president of Out of Africa Entertainment, where his primary responsibility is to seek out interesting screenwriters and stories, develop screenplays for the production, and manage the organisation’s development of existing and new business.
“It’s amazing what you’re doing at Amoyo. I look forward to visiting when I’m back in Cape Town soon.”
Parent: Zenande Dlova
“My name is Zenande Dlova. I am 30 years of age and I’m Iphenam’s mum. We are fortunate to have the Amoyo Foundation in our community. My daughter has been dancing since she was 3 but joining Amoyo last year at age 5 has fueled her love for dancing and she has improved a lot in dancing, self-confidence and also in discipline. Thank you to the most welcoming and talented teachers at Amoyo.”
Beneficiary: Thobeka Shumi
“Kim, Mandisa and Nandipha, you are the best people in my life. You teach me lots of things and keep me away from the street and all bad things. I am proud and grateful to be part of Amoyo.
Amoyo means everything to me.”
Industry ambassador: Philip Boy
Founder & CEO of Dance For All
A former principal dancer with CAPAB (now Cape Town City Ballet), Philip started offering township ballet classes in 1991, with Amoyo co-founder Nandipha Sandlana among his first 34 students. He subsequently employed her as his assistant dance teacher, and he has followed her career with close interest ever since.
“It is wonderful to see the experience and knowledge Nandipha has gained, coming from the background she did, and now being such a great role model by giving so much back to hundreds of children through this wonderful organisation, the Amoyo Performing Arts Foundation. Amoyo sits perfectly in the area it represents, empowering the children and youth of Hout Bay. I must compliment Amoyo on the wonderful work it has done to date and I fully endorse it for all the support it can get in future.”
Parent: Noncedo Mashalaba
“My name is Noncedo Mashalaba – I’m Anesipho’s mom and I’m a proud single parent.
We have loved Amoyo since she joined. She loves every activity that they do and enjoys being with Amoyo and the teachers. Amoyo is a very good programme for our kids to keep them out of the street after school – it’s a very good extra mural for all ages.”
Beneficiary: Cwayita Ntlanganiso
“Hello my name is Cwayita Ntlanganiso. I am a student at Silikamva High School. I joined Amoyo because I wanted to gain confidence and act in front of everyone. I love Amoyo and it is like a second home to me.”
Industry ambassador: Roberto Quintas
Ward Councillor - Hout Bay & Llandudno
Councillor Roberto Quintas is a dedicated community leader serving the vibrant areas of Hout Bay and Llandudno in Cape Town. With a passion for public service and community development, he works tirelessly to address the needs and concerns of all residents of these diverse communities as he strives to create a better quality of life for all.
“The Amoyo Foundation offers a valuable contribution to the community of Hout Bay and I cannot endorse their work enough.
The Amoyo team continues to do excellent work, with a long-lasting impact on the community of Hout Bay, offering performing arts, life skills and orientation development to the most vulnerable youth in the Hout Bay community.”