Melinda Gates, in her book, “The Moment of Lift, How empowering women changes the world”, dedicates a chapter to girls in schools and the role of education. She says:
“Great schools don’t just teach you – they change you.
Good schools...instill in their students an audacious sense of who they are and what they can do.
If you want to excel, you have to get support from the people around you. Very few people can do it alone.”
This year’s Jeppe Girls production of “Sister Act the musical” ticked all of these boxes. An amazing showcase of talent, dedication, creativity, practice and teamwork, it had audiences on their feet and calling for more over six sold out shows earlier this month.
The director, Michelle Pugin acknowledged: “When we chose this musical, we really had no idea what we were letting ourselves in for. It has been a challenge, but a challenge I think we have met.” A real team effort from a cross section of Jeppe staff, including hours of rehearsals and singing training under Dr Elize Kruger, the head of Music, resulted in a top-class production which the school was justifiably proud of.
Our Ruthies who were in the cast had this to say:
As a member of the cast, words cannot even describe how amazing my experience of Sister Act was. After a whole lot of holiday, weekend and after school rehearsals, we finally had six amazing shows. I walked away with more than 20 new sisters whom I appreciate more than anything. Sister Act was the epitome of a true sisterhood. Mandisa Yende, Sister Mary Robert, 11 D
The experience was like no other. When we began rehearsals at the end of last year, I was not sure how we were going to pull it off. Such a well-known and iconic film, there was immense pressure! Judging by the unanimously positive compliments I received, we certainly did do it justice. Not only was I part of an amazing production in my matric year, but I also found a sphere of sisterhood. Marlene Angwafor, Monsignor O’Hara, 12 D
It was a privilege to be a part of such an impeccable play. We put long laborious hours into the play and worked extremely hard. For the play to end up so spectacular made it all worth it! Sister Act was a perfect way to illustrate the sisterhood Jeppe has and has had for the past one hundred years! Tshaamano Mabuba, Eddie, 10E
As part of the cast of Sister Act, I experienced what it means to really love someone. It was awkward in the beginning, but we bonded as we attended our rehearsals and learnt more about each other. When the show came, we were all emotional because our journey was not only filled with hard work, but it was also filled with true love and support. We reflected our sisterhood in our performance which is what makes Sister Act an extraordinary production. Naledi Lephuting, Dance Squad, 10E
And Kevin Tait posted on Facebook: Oh boy, or should that read Oh Girl! - has Jeppe Got Talent?! - just returned from the final performance of the most outstanding production (these are school girls remember!) of Sister Act at Jeppe Girls. And yes, all of us present witnessed a star being born - Nandi Zulu - you were brilliant. Even as you lit up the stage we are definitely going to see your name in lights in the future. Congratulations to all concerned!
Mandisa Yende pictured above, centre front with some of her Sisters, including fellow Ruthie, Basetsana Mfono top right.