STAFF REPORTER
The bright lights of Las Vegas in America beckon for two magicians – Anelisa Ntlonti, 19, from Mitchell’s Plain, and Qaqambile Mnqika, 15, from Khayelitsha – who have been invited to perform at the prestigious Magic Live convention from Sunday August 14 to Wednesday August 17.
The talented teen wizards, representatives of the College of Magic, in Claremont, are set to appear alongside their global counterparts at Magic Live, one of the world’s premier magic events and a gathering of magic’s greatest performers. While it’s a great honour for the two rising magic stars to be chosen for this impressive magic event, getting them there will cost over R70 000. The College of Magic has taken up the challenge of making their dreams come true by running afundraising campaign – for every R2 000 or more donated by the public and private companies, Anelisa and Qaqambile will perform at a charity outreach show in the donor’s name.
Celebrating 36 years of teaching the art of magic to children and adults, the College of Magic, a non-profit organisation, is determined to realise Anelisa and Qaqambile’s dreams.
“Their attendance at this incredible global event affords Anelisa and Qaqambile the chance to not only see more of the world for the first time but network with their magical idols and peers and learn incredible new things about the art of performance.
“In spite of the numerous social and economic challenges they face in their daily lives, these youngsters embody excellence, humility and initiative, qualities that the College of Magic holds dear. They are without a doubt most deserving representatives for our organisation” says David Gore, founder and director of the college.
Travelling overseas to broaden their horizons, let alone performing in the entertainment capital of the word is something Anelisa and Qaqambile have only ever imagined.
Anelisa is a graduate of the College of Magic and assists with the organisation’s feeding scheme for disadvantaged students. A Glendale High School pupil, she dreams of furthering her studies
in interior design.
Anelisa snagged the 2015 South African Magic Championships bronze award in Close-Up Magic at GrandWest. The quick-fingered illusionist is thrilled about being selected to represent her country in America.
“I sometimes have to pinch myself to make sure it’s real – I can hardly believe that I will be flying for the first time and performing in Las Vegas. I hope to make my family and South Africa proud,” said Anelisa.
Qaqambile is an ardent student of the magical arts who regularly donates his time and skills to the college’s charity show programme.
He won the coveted College of Magic Course Five Overall Student of the Year award, claiming its esteemed Siegfried and Roy Scholarship prize.
The kind-hearted budding showman and aspirant doctor is in awe of the prospect of taking to a Las Vegas stage: “Travelling to Las Vegas is every magician’s dream. To be selected by the College of Magic as its and South Africa’s representative is an honour, a privilege and a huge responsibility.”
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