Ward 76 councillor Avron Plaatjies and Member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, Ricardo MacKenzie, hosted a fund-raiser at the weekend for matric pupils to complete their learners’ licences.
Emo Adams and musician Sean D joined the line-up on the stage for the event on Saturday July 16 at Spine Road High School.
“The objective of the project was to allow matriculants in Mitchell’s Plain the opportunity to obtain their learner’s licence for free in a pilot project launched at the beginning of the year. The project seeks to steer youth away from a life of crime and make them more employable once they finish school,” said Mr Plaatjies (“Free learner’s licence classes for Mitchell’s Plain matric pupils” Plainsman, February 2, and “Oval North pupils obtain their learner driver’s licences” Plainsman, May 26).
Due to the positive response and interest from the community, high schools and pupils from the greater Mitchell’s Plain area, they have embarked on phase 2 as the aim of the project is to give all matriculants in Mitchell’s Plain permanent employability once they have their licences, he said.
The show used the opportunity to support upcoming talent and included artists such as King Smasher, Cedar High School Band and vocalist Clement from Spine Road High School as the opening acts.
“The MEC for Community Safety and Police Oversight, Reagen Allen came on stage and spoke to the crowd, also entertaining them with some comedy. People from all over Cape Town attended the event and made it a huge success. Every ticket bought has now resulted in the opportunity to allow our young people from Mitchell’s Plain to obtain their learner’s licence,” he said.
“Thank you to our sponsors, Western Cape Provincial Parliament, Lewis Stores, Watergate Shopping Mall, Peninsula Beverages and Craze Zone Design. The highlight of the evening was the lucky draw prize from Lewis Stores. The winner of the lucky draw was a long-standing community activist Aunty Arlene Petersen who won a TV.”
Mr Mackenzie said it was great that the community of Mitchell’s Plain came and supported their pupils.
“We need to see more parents play an active part in the lives of their children. Saturday’s event was a catalyst for many more events of this nature. We also need more businesses in Mitchell’s Plain, particularly big businesses like Shoprite, Checkers, Liberty Promenade and others operating in Mitchell’s Plain to use their corporate social responsibility funding to not just support food kitchens but more sustainable projects like the learnership projects. The event was fantastic and we thank all artists and political office bearers and volunteers that helped to make this event successful. It was Lekker innie ’Plain,” he said.