Our Rainbow Story

We are proud of the inspirational stories of our students, who have become leaders and role models within their own communities. Many of our graduates are the first in their families to hold university degrees and qualifications in performing arts and cultural industries. Our work is rewarding on many levels, but perhaps nothing beats seeing how communities respond to the success of their own children.

These success stories can be foundational for future generations, who learn to dream bigger. Nelson Mandela said in 1990: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Based on the transformation our students go through and the quality of education they receive at our institution, it is safe to say that this statement is as true now as it was then.

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Our Vision

Our vision is to contribute to the social and economic enhancement of South Africa by empowering youth through education and employment in arts, culture, hospitality and heritage. Further, we instil a huge sense of self-worth, we build confidence and we ensure that our students aspire to excellence in everything they do. The Academy works to promote national pride, the ethos of Ubuntu and instil leadership within our students to become ambassadors for human rights, dignity, integrity and to ultimately become responsible and prosperous adults.

Our Mission

Our mission is to be the leaders in world class performing arts education with the best platform for development and transformation which produces future pioneers of the creative industries.

    OUR TEAM

    Miss Imke du Toit (CEO, Creative Director, Drama & Musical Theatre HOD)

    Mrs Thenjiwe Mgedisi (School Principal, Programme Manager & African Music HOD)

    Mr Godfrey Johnson (Music HOD & Musical Theatre Lecturer)

    Keegan Mitchel – (Dance HOD)

    Maropeng Vushangwe (Film production HOD)

    WeDFy Entertainment: Simone Chantel Little (Dance Lectures)

    OUR BOARD
    Nigel Suliaman

    Nigel Suliaman

    Chair

    Sanlam Investment Management Portfolio Manager, Specialised Finance

    Delecia Forbes

    Delecia Forbes

    Director

    Programme manager who utilises the arts to address issues of social justice and build resilient and cohesive communities

    Claire Alexander

    Claire Alexander

    Vice Chair

    Director of Africa Scotland Business Network & Director of Firecracker Events & Marketing

    Eric Kabuya Mwepu

    Eric Kabuya Mwepu

    Director & Finance

    Founder, Director and Accountant of EKM Holdings 

    Imke du Toit

    Imke du Toit

    CEO & Creative Director

    (BAHon)Theatre & Performance UCT, Actress, Director & Practitioner in the Creative sector

    Julia du Preez

    Julia du Preez

    Director & Board secretary

    Employee Relations Officer, Western Cape Government Education Department

    Thenjiwe Mgedisi

    Thenjiwe Mgedisi

    Principal & Programme Manager

    (BAMus) UCT Practitioner in the Creative sector 

    Wiseman Ngubo

    Wiseman Ngubo

    Director

    Associate Director, Publishing Licensing at Spotify. Henley Business School 

    Denay Willie

    Denay Willie

    Founder & Director

    Masters in Cultural Policy & Management, Practitioner, Management & Leadership in the Creative & Cultural Sector

    Our Alumni

    We are proud of the inspirational stories of our students, who have become leaders and role models within their own communities. Many of our graduates are the first in their families to hold university degrees and qualifications in performing arts and cultural industries. Our work is rewarding on many levels, but perhaps nothing beats seeing how communities respond to the success of their own children.

    These success stories can be foundational for future generations, who learn to dream bigger. Nelson Mandela said in 1990: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Based on the transformation our students go through and the quality of education they receive at our institution, it is safe to say that this statement is as true now as it was then.

    Tertiary Education

    Our graduates get accepted into various institutions ranging from University of Cape Town to the New York Film Academy studying Performing Arts to Journalism and Business Management.

    Performing Arts and Creative Industries

    With a portfolio of work, show reels and professional photographs, our graduates have become performers, directors, choreographers, writers, producers, stage and production managers, and technical crew.

    Entrepreneurs, Teachers and Interns

    Graduates are assisted to pitch their business ideas to investors or provided internships with numerous Cape Town hotels and theatre groups. Others return to the Academy as teachers, mentors, interns and volunteers.

    “The Rainbow Academy provided me with the platform to express my inner self that I didn’t know existed. The academy also gave me exposure to many events and expanded my network and opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities.”

    Fernando Classen (2012)

    “The Rainbow Academy has taught me a lot about the industry, how to conduct myself professionally but mainly how to run my own business. My time at The Rainbow Academy is filled with so many good memories like THE CAPE TOWN SHOW, our trip to Limpopo and performing for President Jacob Zuma at the ANC 99th Birthday Celebration.

    Every day was inspired at The Rainbow Academy. Imagine being surrounded by passionate and very talented artists. It can be intimidating but we were all family and wanted the best for everyone and that is what made it special. I am currently a professional dancer, choreographer and teacher and lead member of the South African dance group WeDFy”

    Tylor Spelman (2010)

    “The one thing I learnt from Rainbow is to never give up and this has helped me in my career so much that I come to understand that things take time to work the way I want them to. I must just keep on pushing and I will reap what I sow.” 

    Odwa Bongo (2014)

    It is with sincere gratitude that I hereby acknowledge and appreciate Rainbow Academy’s great support in grooming me as a young actress. I was one of the fortunate students that got an opportunity of a scholarship and with that I will forever be grateful.

    The Drama Program at Rainbow Academy helped me break through emotional barriers, taught me patience, discipline, and that has made me see the performing arts as a healing gift from undesirable, burdening and torturing memories. I don’t know where I would be without the warmth, passion, and talent I was surrounded by during my 1-year course in Rainbow. I grew exponentially as an artist and as a human being, thanks to the unwavering support from the incredibly insightful and encouraging teachers.

    The theatre program at Rainbow Academy prepared me for every aspect of a professional career in theatre arts. My experiences with performance and collaboration equipped me with a valuable tool set that I can use on a daily basis. I can now not only “Act” but confidently sing and dance.
    My teachers at Rainbow Academy gave me the skills I needed to work confidently in the professional theatre world. The year I’ve spent training in the program helped me define the kind of artist I want to be. My teachers were like family and even today, long after graduation, I can still call on them for advice and support.

    I am now currently doing my third year, furthering my studies at the University of Cape town as a drama student and I must say that I needed Rainbow Academy.”

    Lusanda Soboyise (2019)

    “Rainbow Academy has boosted my confidence and self-esteem. Remember your roots whenever pursuing or reaching that top level. I’ve used my skills in all my performances and it has only brought me to excel.”

    Nadia Alexander (2012)

    “ My name is Remondé. I am a performing artist, creative arts teacher and a proud alumni from The Rainbow Academy. My time at The Rainbow Academy is described as nothing short from wholesome. I was exposed to many opportunities by a team of leaders who were in support of my dream and helped bring it to life. I was unsure what my future would hold after my studies at the academy. However, I was aided to further my studies at UCT and there is not a day that goes by that my gratitude is not extended to everyone on my journey at The Rainbow Academy.
    To grow so close to people who believe in you is one thing, but to have them help nurture your passion is inspiring and brings about a new world of capabilities.

    I was awarded Student of the Year, and this achievement inspires me everyday to work to the best of my ability. I remember the day I came to School not feeling my best, I walked into the studio and my dance teacher put on music and let me be. It was that day I no longer needed words to express myself.

    I learnt so many things at The Rainbow Academy that I could write on and on about, and if I can summarise in one word about my journey and experiences, I will say that I left and remain FULFILLED. “

    Remondé September (2017)

    “The Rainbow academy taught me to be a confident and all rounded artist. During our time at the academy, we were encouraged to write and create our own songs and scripts, create and shoot our own short films, and giving us an opportunity to express ourselves freely.

    I had the opportunity to perform a lot, from Cape Town Carnival, to even performing poetry with well-known South African poets like Lebo Mashile,Xabiso Viki,Thando Fuze,Diana Feruss at an acclaimed selective poetry competition in Riebeek Kasteel.

    Since graduating from the Rainbow Academy, I am working as an actor in the theatre and film industry in Cape Town. Thank you Rainbow Academy for teaching me to trust in myself and to be a confident and hard working individual and artist. “

    Mzoxolo Bomela (2020 & 2021)

    “The Rainbow Academy provided me with the platform to express my inner self that I didn’t know existed. The academy also gave me exposure to many events and expanded my network and opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities.”

    Fernando Classen (2012)

    “The one thing I learnt from Rainbow is to never give up and this has helped me in my career so much that I come to understand that things take time to work the way I want them to. I must just keep on pushing and I will reap what I sow.”

    Odwa Bongo (2014)

    “Rainbow Academy has boosted my confidence and self-esteem. Remember your roots whenever pursuing or reaching that top level. I’ve used my skills in all my performances and it has only brought me to excel.”

    Nadia Alexander (2012)

    Our Awards

    2021

    Nominated for two Business and Arts South Africa Awards – SMME & In-kind for The Rainbow Academy: Making Rainbows in the time of Covid-19 project 

    2020

    Five Rainbow Academy representatives invited to represent South Africa in Hong Kong for the Cape Town Carnival International Festival

    2020

    Online two-part series called “A Very Rainbow Christmas” and “Hello 2021” – originally written, composed and produced by The Rainbow Academy 

    2017 – 2021

    Top National Achievers in South Africa – Trinity College London

    2019

    DREAMGIRLS performed at Artscape Theatre

    2018

    Winners of “Ons Kaapse Dans” Solo Competition hosted by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport Western Cape 

    2018

    BASA (Business and Arts South Africa) Awards for Long Term Sponsorship, Community Development and Commitment to the Arts

    2018

    Denay Willie, co-founder, selected to attend the UN Nelson Mandela Peace Summit in New York, as an ambassador for The Rainbow Academy 

    2018

    Nominated as a speaker and representative for Best Practice Organisation at the Dept of Cultural Affairs and Sports Western Cape Best Practice Conference 

    2018

    SARAFINA performed at Artscape Theatre

    2017

    Nominee for the NEA Martin Luther King Award for Outstanding Contribution to Human Rights

    2014

    The Rainbow Academy hosts the first ever Cape Town Sounds Fringe Festival