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
Chair
Sanlam Investment Management Portfolio Manager, Specialised Finance
Delecia Forbes
Director
Programme manager who utilises the arts to address issues of social justice and build resilient and cohesive communities
Claire Alexander
Vice Chair
Director of Africa Scotland Business Network & Director of Firecracker Events & Marketing
Eric Kabuya Mwepu
Director & Finance
Founder, Director and Accountant of EKM Holdings
Imke du Toit
CEO & Creative Director
(BAHon)Theatre & Performance UCT, Actress, Director & Practitioner in the Creative sector
Julia du Preez
Director & Board secretary
Employee Relations Officer, Western Cape Government Education Department
Thenjiwe Mgedisi
Principal & Programme Manager
(BAMus) UCT Practitioner in the Creative sector
Wiseman Ngubo
Director
Associate Director, Publishing Licensing at Spotify. Henley Business School
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.
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