Two fourteen-year-old dancers from Knysna returned home as world champions after receiving top honors at the prestigious Dance the World event held at Walt Disney World in Florida. Their success demonstrated that talent, determination, and community support can bring young South Africans onto the global stage.
Faya-Bella Fredericks, a student at Oakhill College, and Chioma Tagbo, who attends Knysna High School, represented South Africa as part of the national team. They were selected after participating in the national MOVE competition organized by the Theatre Dance Organisation. Their journey to the international stage included a series of qualifying rounds at regional, provincial, and national levels throughout 2025.
The pair competed against approximately 3500 dancers from over 20 countries across 12 dance genres. As a result, they became World Champions in the Hip-Hop Duet category for the intermediate age group (14 years old), earning gold medals which the organizers called World Class Diamond awards. Additionally, both dancers won silver medals in the individual hip-hop solo categories, and Tagbo's performance brought an extra bronze medal in the overall count of evening dance routines, which recognized outstanding performances across all categories.
In addition to the competition itself, the South African team participated in the World Dance Disney Parade through Magic Kingdom park. They also attended masterclasses led by highly respected industry professionals: Jenna Johnston, Geo Hubela, and Disney Talent Manager David Howard. These teenagers train at MACX Academy—a street dance program founded by the non-profit organization St Savant. The academy was created to make dance accessible to youth by sponsoring talented dancers, subsidizing classes for families, mentoring young instructors, and creating a safe environment where performing arts serve as both a creative outlet and a path to personal development.
Under the guidance of the program director and SAFTA award recipient, actress and dancer Loris Cooper, the academy has grown to nearly 60 dancers, many of whom had never performed on stage before joining the program just over a year ago. The academy sent six dancers to the national qualifying rounds, and all six advanced to the provincial stage. Ultimately, three of them won gold at the national championships, but only Fredericks and Tagbo were able to travel to Florida. Professional choreographer Shani J. Kivido and MACX Academy head coach from Knysna, Antonio Cleophas, played a key role in preparing the duo for the international competition.
For Tagbo, achieving success in the United States required more than just months of training. While Fredericks' parents financed her trip, Tagbo's journey became a true effort of the entire community: residents, businesses, and supporters came together to raise the necessary funds to make this dream a reality. The girls also balanced demanding athletic schedules with competition preparation. Tagbo participated in a tour with the provincial rugby team, and Fredericks competed in the South African national artistic gymnastics championships. Life in Knysna presented additional difficulties due to limited local resources for training. Nevertheless, support came from across the country—from fundraising initiatives and media coverage to donated rehearsal spaces, specialized coaching, and mentorship.
The girls' achievement has already had a profound impact on their homeland. The academy believes that the victory should be viewed not only as a personal milestone but also as inspiration for an entire generation of young dancers who now see international success as an achievable goal. Since then, the academy has received numerous requests for public appearances and collaborations, as their energetic performances and community-focused story have attracted widespread attention. Immediately after returning from Florida, the duo, affectionately nicknamed 'Chi-Chi' and 'Fi-Fi' by friends, will soon be back in the studio, preparing for the Nelson Mandela Festival in Gqeberha on August 29th. Although they did not set specific competitive goals after the triumph in Disney, both remain committed to honing their skills in various hip-hop styles and continuing to compete wherever opportunities arise. Their ambition is simple: to keep their passion alive, continue to grow as artists, and show South Africa and the world how brightly this fire can burn.
In observance of Mandela Day across the country, numerous events are planned in the City of Gold. One of these is a run and walk in honor of Mandela Day, intended to celebrate the legacy of Nelson Mandela, as well as the values of unity, determination, and well-being.
This run is inspired by Madiba's famous route through the streets of Houghton. It offers various participation options: a half marathon of 21 km, a 10 km race, or an easy family walk of 5 km, making it accessible to everyone. The event will take place on Sunday, July 19th, at the DP World Wanderers Stadium located at Corlett Dr, Illovo, Sandton. The start time for the 21 km and 10 km distances is set for 7:30 AM, while the 5 km starts at 7:45 AM. The event will also feature live entertainment and various activities.
A special version of Secret Sunrise Joburg called 'Madiba Magic' invites city residents to participate in a session dedicated to music, movement, and positive vibes. This gathering will include silent disco, light breathing exercises, rooftop views, coffee, food, and a Saturday morning atmosphere. Attire should be comfortable, casual, and weather-appropriate; extra points are awarded for caps, sunglasses, or the best 'Madiba' themed outfit. The event will take place on Saturday, July 18th, starting at 8:30 AM, at Mall of the South in Liefde En Vrede.
The Supercar Rhino Run event returns to the Kyalami track, uniting the Mzansi supercar enthusiast community in support of rhino conservation. Approximately 150 outstanding vehicles from across the country are expected to participate. There will also be an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the largest supercar/hypercar display. The program includes a supercar parade, a drift demonstration (a motorsport display of skill and athleticism), spinning displays, tire burnouts, a simulated anti-poaching operation, and a K9 demonstration, along with entertainment, food, and drinks. This will happen on Sunday, July 19th, starting at 8:30 AM, at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit track in Midrand.
