Corporate Social Review Magazine 1st Quarter 2013 | Page 72

Would you want to live in a world
where the music is allowed to die?
AFRICAN CULTURAL ORGANISATION OF
SOUTH AFRICA
What do the Soweto String Quartet, Kutlwano Masote, Abel
Selaocoe, jazz trumpeter Prince Lengoasa, Imilonji kaNtu
Music Society conductor George Mxadana and composer and
acclaimed music lecturer at Wits Mokale Koapeng all have in
common?
The African Cultural Organisation of South Africa (ACOSA) has
been at the forefront of music development and the promotion of
classical music in previously disadvantaged communities in South
Africa since 1947.
In that time we have trained individuals and groups, developed a
national network of youth orchestras, run workshops and schools,
contributed to festivals and events around the world and brought
a love of classical music – with all of the social benefits that
delivers – to some of the poorest and most socially disadvantaged
communities in South Africa. Thank you to NLB – over 1000
students have graduated in classical music through your funding.
Apartheid did not stop us from bringing music to the people of
South Africa, nor has the changing political landscape. And, with
our country, our people and our youth facing more challenges than
ever before, our work is more important now than it has ever been.
But it is also getting harder every day.
But why, when we are all surrounded by such great need? Why
should we fund something as esoteric as classical music? Why
spend the money on violins and sheet music and ‘frivolity’ when it
could be spent on food and shelter?
That answer is simple ...
It’s not enough to give people life, if we want to create a better
country for all South Africans then we also have to give people
something to live for.
Music transports us, it transforms us, it defines and refines us.
Would you want to live in a world where the music is allowed to
die?
ACOSA needs your help, we need your support, we want to keep
the music alive and keep showing the world just how wonderful
South Africans can be when given the opportunity?
Isn’t that music to your ears?
427 Ontdekkers Road, Florida Park 1709.
Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]

“KE FA GORE O FE”
70
Magazine Final.indd 70

CORPORATE SOCIAL REVIEW
2013/07/29 10:47 AM