Johannesburg based NGO, The Ibbamo Foundation, hosted on Wednesday 30 November their very first Charity Karaoke event. The purpose of the event being to raise funds for one of their beneficiaries, Diepsloot Combined School. The event was held at The Brazen Head, Sandton and was attended by celebrities such as Sophie Ndaba and radio personality Siyabonga Sangweni.
In the true spirit of festive cheer, guests took to the stage and did their best renditions of musical classics and pop anthems. Men and women from all walks of life came together over food, drinks and song – all for a good cause.
Sophie Ndaba, the Master of Ceremonies, kept the crowds entertained with her witty humour and surprised all with her beautiful singing voice. An educator representing the recipient school, Mr Matshona Nditsheni, shared some of the needs that the school is facing before the surprise raffle. “The needs of our school and greater community are much, including computers, stationery and basic school and teaching items,” he told the 100-strong crowd.
Generous sponsors of the event included, Little Sun South Africa, Snap Print, Protea Hotel Marriot, Graham Beck, DevOps Biz, Forgood, Savanna, Bains, Pongracz and of course the venue sponsor, The Brazen Head. In addition to the contributions made by ticket sales, a raffle was held on the night with all proceeds going to the Diepsloot School.
In total the event raised in excess of R10 000 and pledges were made in an effort to support the school and the educators’ needs.
“It was a great success and we are so pleased that so many people came to support and give of themselves for a good cause. The most important thing was for the school to benefit and we have no doubt this is merely the beginning of greater things for the school. Thank you to all our generous sponsors,” commented Ibbamo chairperson Mrs Agnes Hove.
The Ibbamo foundation inspires and empowers young learners between the ages of 14 and 18 years. It provides a sensible agenda for self-development that will increase their self-esteem and leadership capabilities, as well as enhance their capacity to achieve in whatever context they find themselves in.
Ibbamo, which stands for Inspired By Barack And Michelle Obbama, is proud to share intellectually in this legacy. Dr. James Makamba founded the Ibbamo Foundation to assist underprivileged African Children attain quality education. The foundation also seeks through education to prepare young Africans for future leadership roles. Makamba is an entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio of interests covering telecommunications, broadcasting, retail, mining and consultancy.