Frontiers “youth serving the youth” is a Factreton-based organisation that focuses on the youth, social cohesion and cultural diversity.
The organisation will be hosting the final minstrel event of the season, the Blikkies Klops.
When speaking to Cheslyn Steenberg, leader of the organisation, one gets the feeling that this is the format of klops which is good for the environment.
People use everything from black bags and old newspapers, to blikkies and other recyclables to make a unique outfit which costs them absolutely nothing.
The Blikkies Klops have also received the help of seamstresses in their communities who have offered up their time and skill free of charge to assist teams with making their gear.
Cheslyn says: “The instruments, although it’s made from recyclable material, must be able to last a full day and more, because teams will be judged for best band as well.
DIY: Seamstresses giving up time to help make Blikkies gear
“A lot of effort on the part of teams have been put in to ensure that their instruments last and give off the required sound.
“In fact, the Frontiers have estimated that, to date, it’s about 200 hours that’s been sacrificed willingly by participating teams.”
Now this structure does not have a huge directorial board like that of the mainstream klopse, but the Frontiers invest their time and money to make this event successful for their community.
The event is free of charge for the people, as Cheslyn says: “Why must we pay to celebrate our own diversity?”
I am quite taken by this concept and it has made me think that perhaps this is the way klops was conceived: just a bunch of ouens making their own gears and instruments, using bins and old tyres and jolling through District Six to give the mense a show.
If this is the case, then Blikkies Klops is the authentic way of playing klops; a formula that does not take much out of the teams except time. And, in monetary terms, they don’t lose because in order to be a successful Blikkies Klops, you really only need the love for the culture and the desire to make a change in your community.
I am told by Mr. Steenberg that just like with the mainstream klopse, many of their youngsters also come from disadvantaged circumstances and they are excited to go to the klopskamer, because it offers them an opportunity to escape from their problems.
The teams will participate in 10 categories, besides the road march from Ganies to Windermere High School all the way down Sunderland Street.
LOOKS GOOD: Blikkies Klops are set to rock Factreton next month
Cheslyn says: “ Ons gaan vir Sunderland Street in Factreton change na Adderley Street.”
I think by doing this they will hit home and the community stands to benefit big time.
They already invited three schools from the surrounding areas to have stalls free of charge at the event to raise much-needed funds for themselves.
Teams will be judged on the following items: Best Dress, Best Band, Afrikaans Moppie, English Combine, Klopse Jol, Group Song, Juvenile Solo, Grand March Pass, Exhibition and Best Board.
Cheslyn says the judges – from outside the community and well-educated in the klops culture – are also offering their services verniet.
Like most self-funded community events, the Frontiers also face challenges.
Right now they are struggling to raise funds for public toilets – which costs up to R2 000.
“Ek bid maar en glo dat die Man van Bo sal dit ’n moontlikheid maak vir ons,” says Cheslyn. The other hurdle is that of the trophies, for which they still require a sponsor.
They’re looking at 55 trophies for the top 5 places in each category, and calculated this cost at a minimum of R5 000.
However, he asks potential sponsors not to give them money, but rather to organise the renting of the toilets (one male, one female and one disabled) and buying of the trophies themselves.
Clearly the people behind Blikkies Klops are not money or power hungry and only have the community at heart. With that said, I believe that the City of Cape Town and local businesses should be actively involved in this kind of community events.
We, the people, feel the difference it makes on grassroots level.
Cheslyn says any contribution will be highly appreciated. He says they had asked the mayor’s office to help with feeding the kids on the day, but received a polite “no”.
In the end, I guess it comes back to the fact that this is our culture and we should make it sustainable for ourselves.
The Blikkies Klops takes place on 5 May at Windermere High School in Factreton.
The road marches start at 9am and the event is expected to end at 6pm.
No gazebos and alcohol will be allowed, but you can bring a camping chair.
The neighbourhood watch as well as a private security company and police will be present to ensure everyone’s safety.
I trust this event will be well attended and here’s a big salute from me to the Frontiers for keeping Blikkies Klops alive.
If you would like to assist, please contact Cheslyn Steenberg on 083 543 1344.
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