On 18 June, the Leeu-Gamka community was buzzing with excitement when the Karoo Kokers, a talented youth group trained by the Prince Albert Community Trust (PACT), hosted a lively concert at the Leeu-Gamka Community Hall.
The hall was packed to the brim, and the event overflowed with energy as singing, dancing, and stage performances touched every heart and beat in the room. Executive Mayor Linda Jaquet was among the audience, enjoying the team’s abundance of talent.
The Karoo Kokers emerged from a six-month PACT training programme led by Executive Trustee Ingrid Wolfaardt. In preparation for the 2025 Journey to Jazz Festival, the group honed their skills in hospitality, event management, and life skills.
“We focused on work ethic, punctuality, and being ambassadors for the towns of Prince Albert, Leeu-Gamka, and Klaarstroom,” says Ingrid. “It’s about living your brand—those values you share with others.”
In Leeu-Gamka, PACT operates from a room in the Primary School hostel, offering afternoon classes every weekday, which include dance, homework support, and art classes with Elcado Blom.
What makes this group remarkable is that they have truly made this initiative and their Journey to Jazz training their own. They drive it, manage it, and show up every single day. “Their dedication is inspiring,” Ingrid shares.
This concert stood as proof of their growth and initiative. Performances ranged from soulful singing to dynamic dance routines, radiating confidence throughout. The event not only showcased their talent but also reflected PACT’s mission to empower youth and foster community pride.
“This concert was proof of what these young people can achieve,” said Mayor Jaquet. “They are not only artists—they are leaders shaping the future of Leeu-Gamka.”
