Pretoria Chinese School hosted its Arts and Culture Festival in September, followed by a Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration and Open Day, showcasing students’ learning and achievements through visual art, music, dance and Chinese cultural performances. The events also welcomed parents and members of the wider community onto the school campus.

Held on 11 September under the theme “Magic Whispers,” the Arts and Culture Festival featured an exhibition of student artwork alongside choir, dance, Chinese yo-yo, marimba and traditional Chinese drumming performances.

A highlight of the evening was a life-size Fire Horse art installation. Coloured powders transformed the flames into different hues, while dancers and a mass choir comprising students from Grades 1 to 11 performed around the sculpture. The presentation brought together Chinese zodiac culture, visual art and the performing arts.

On 19 September, the school continued its celebrations with a Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration and Open Day. The event attracted students, teachers, parents and members of the local community, with lively crowds gathering around the performance areas and food stalls. Horse-riding activities and a basketball competition were also arranged.

Students presented 37 performances, including dragon and lion dances, Chinese yo-yo, traditional Chinese drumming, Chinese fan dance, Tai Chi long-sleeve dance, Chinese poetry recitation, drama, choral singing and dance. Junior students performed a Taiwanese Indigenous dance, while senior students presented a San Taizi performance and Taiwanese popular songs, combining traditional folk culture with contemporary song and dance and highlighting the vitality of Taiwanese culture.

OCAC Secretary Bill Lee (Li Yungsheng) of the Taipei Liaison Office in the Republic of South Africa attended both events. During the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration, he delivered remarks on behalf of Representative Oliver Liao (Liao Wenzhe).

Lee said the Mid-Autumn Festival symbolises reunion, harmony and togetherness. He also commended the school for its longstanding commitment to Mandarin education and cultural preservation, which enables younger generations in South Africa to learn about Chinese traditions and Taiwanese history.

Deputy Principal and Head of the Chinese Department Angela Liu said that the school’s art exhibition and Mid-Autumn Festival carnival had previously been led independently by either the Art Department or the Chinese Department. This year, the school adopted a cross-departmental approach, with teachers from several departments working together and the entire staff contributing to the preparations.

Liu added that the events offered students more diverse and interactive ways to showcase their abilities, strengthening engagement and unity among students, teachers and parents.

Creative and Visual Arts Teacher Gabriella Sale said the festival theme encouraged students to discover their talents and potential and to move beyond their comfort zones.

Co-Music Director Amo Lebethe said the students had spent several weeks rehearsing. Through the preparation process, they developed musical skills, stage presence, teamwork and confidence in performing before an audience.

Through the above events, Pretoria Chinese School connected arts education with the preservation of Chinese culture. The school’s cross-departmental collaboration also created opportunities for students, staff, parents and community members to interact and strengthened the sense of unity within the school community.

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