Students at Cape Town’s only magical arts organisation, the College of Magic in Claremont, were treated to an enthralling lecture on the art of performing charity magic shows by Magic Tony and Hans Nordsiek of the globetrotting Magic Brothers World on Saturday 4 May 2019.

The Magic Brothers World team was visiting Cape Town as a part of their African charity performance tour, which also included shows in Egypt, Ghana and Namibia.

The Magic Brothers World visit to the College of Magic included a captivating hour-long talk with tips on establishing a career as a professional magic performer, getting credit through written and online recognition for charity performances and a short magical act with new takes on some classic magical effects, including the dazzling linking rings.

For Tony, originally from France and having left a career of teaching physics to travel the world performing magic, visiting the College and imparting his industry wisdom was a decade-long dream come true: “I discovered the College online ten years ago and had it at the top of my magic travel bucket list for so long. My visit to this incredible organisation has been an illuminating one.

I’ve been awestruck to see how the College helps its students’ dreams come true, inspires them to be great and to create something out of nothing. I look forward to visit again soon!” Hans Nordsiek, a trained Storyteller from Holland, agrees: “The College’s students and staff were very welcoming to Tony and I. To see the abundance of enthusiasm for learning the art of magic and giving back to the community has been inspiring.”

The College of Magic, a non-profit organisation and the only one of its kind in the world, is thankful for Magic Brothers World visit: “It’s always such a privilege and honour for us to host international magical performers who impart wisdom to our students. Thanks to Tony and Hans for sharing the wonder of magic and their inspiring international tales of charity work with us”, says David Gore, director of the College of Magic.

Students and graduates of the College of Magic are excited to incorporate some of the incredible magic tips and tricks that they’ve learnt from Magic Brothers World into their acts for the upcoming 2019 Traditional Children’s Magic Festival, from 19 to 22 June 2019.

Capetonian magic fans are invited to escape into a world of fantasy at the four-day festival, which includes spellbinding magic shows and thrilling treasure hunts to hands-on, interactive workshops and a mystery tour of the College of Magic’s enthralling Victorian building.

Tickets for THE magical event of the year, the Traditional Children’s Magic Festival, are vanishing fast! Festival tickets are available from R90 per person with discounts available for family bookings. Book yours TODAY at Quicket.

For more information about the College of Magic, please visit www.collegeofmagic.com, call +27(0)21 683 5480 or follow them on Facebook @thecollegeofmagic. For more information about the Magic Brothers World, please visit www.magicbrothersworld.wixsite.com/magic.

David Berglas, internationally renowned magician and longtime supporter of the College of Magic, Cape Town’s only magical arts organisation,  has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year Honours List for services to Magic and Psychology.

It is believed that this is the first time the honour has been presented to anyone for their contribution to the art of magic.Berglas, 92, said:

“I am delighted to accept this honour but even more pleased that the art of magic has at last been recognised. I have spent over 60 years entertaining people in person, on radio and television -“reading their minds” - but I certainly didn’t see this one coming.”

Berglas has been an inspiration to magicians worldwide. On hearing of the award Derren Brown said: “This honour recognises one of our greatest living magical performers. Generations of magicians owe him a debt of gratitude. Each of my shows is indebted to his artistry and astonishing body of work. I thank him for his constant inspiration.”

The Magic Circle president Scott Penrose said: “I am sure our members both in the UK and around the world will join me in congratulating David Berglas’ on receiving this award which recognises his  immense contribution to magic. As our former president he was deeply involved in the successful development of our permanent HQ in London. His influence on magic and magicians has been profound for over 60 years and many magicians owe him a real debt of gratitude.”

The College of Magic, a South African non-profit organisation and the only of its kind in the world, is thrilled for Berglas:

“David Berglas has played a crucial role in developing and promoting the College of Magic. His generous philanthropic support has seen the creation of many training facilities benefitting the thousands of students and tens of thousands of school learners who have attended the College of Magic educational programmes over the past 39 years. His inspiration, encouragement and recognition have played a pivotal role in building our organisation internationally and from within, strengthening our important transformative role among the youth of South Africa,” said David Gore, director of the College of Magic.

Berglas’ extraordinary career started in the 50s. Six weeks at the Windmill Theatre in London in 1953 was followed by a whirlwind tour of variety theatres where he often topped the bill.

He became a household name with his regular performances on radio, conducting “Nationwide Psychological Experiments” involving millions of listeners. He received the largest collection of fan mail ever for a BBC radio series. In the 70s he hosted a late-night phone-in programme on LBC.

He had his own BBC television show “Meet David Berglas” in 1954 which had an audience of over 19 million and then hosted the first ever commercial TV series in 1955. In the 80s his series “The Mind of David Berglas” on Channel 4 he entertained celebrity guests such as Omar Sharif, Britt Ekland and Christopher Lee.

Dubbed the “International Man of Mystery” Berglas was renowned for creating big stunts - among them, driving a car blindfold around central London, hurtling blindfold down the Cresta Run, stopping the traffic - and people - in Piccadilly Circus. He also confounded the magical profession with his pulse stopping routine and with his ability to persuade strangers to levitate a heavy table.

His version of the Any Card at Any Number  routine has been known for many years as the Berglas Effect and magicians consider this the holy grail of card magic.He has also acted as a creative consultant on many major films, most notably five Bond movies. Berglas has entertained most members of the Royal Family and a host of celebrities including Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson . At one time he was the opening act for the Rolling Stones.

In the magic world Berglas has received most major international honours. He was President of The Magic Circle, the world’s premier magic society, from 1989-1998 and helped revitalise the society. During his tenure The Magic Circle admitted women as members, established the Young Magician’s Club and acquired  and refurbished the old warehouse in Euston that became their first permanent HQ.

He has helped raise huge amounts for charity and was voted “King Rat” of the Grand Order of Water Rats, the leading show business charity.For further information about David Berglas, please contact: Charlie Burgess 07941 371440.

For more information about the College of Magic, please visit www.collegeofmagic.com or call +27(0)21 683 5480.

The 2018 Traditional Children’s Magic Festival, presented by the world-famous College of Magic, invites Cape Town’s families to escape from the freezing cold into a fantastical world of magic at the College’s warm and mysterious Victorian Manor in Claremont from Wednesday 27 to Saturday 30 June 2018.

Magical hijinks are the order of the day as the cast take Festivalgoers on a whirlwind tour of the century-old Manor with incredible magic shows, hands-on interactive workshops, thrilling games, magical photo opportunities and more!The Festival, now in its 24th year, is family entertainment at its best with more than 50 talented College graduates and students performing an array of fantastical feats including juggling, escapology, stilt-walking, mime and clowning.

It’s magic galore and all just for you!

The College of Magic, the only organisation of its kind in the world, has been teaching the art of magic and its allied arts as well as vital life-skills to children and adults since 1980.

It is thrilled to once again host the Festival:

“Our Children’s Magic Festival is a popular indoor winter school holiday event in Cape Town and we’re always looking at ways it can be even more enchanting for our returning magic fanatics. In addition to the non-stop magical fun for the whole family, we’re challenging our Festivalgoers to dress up to this year’s theme, "Parade of Superstars", and dazzle the cast as your favourite movie or TV show star. Join us for a magical winter family experience unlike any other- we cannot wait to entertain you! “says Yolandi van Jaarsveldt, CEO of the College of Magic.

The Festival will be held at the College of Magic, 215 Imam Haron Road in Claremont, with the 90-minute show programme running daily at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm.

Experience the impossible at the College of Magic this winter school holiday:

Tickets for the 2018 Traditional Children’s Magic Festival are R90 per person with discounts for family bookings. Book yours TODAY at www.collegeofmagic.com/tickets.For more information about the College of Magic, please visit www.collegeofmagic.com/tickets, call +27(0)21 683 5480 or follow them on Facebook

The world famous College of Magic is set to welcome a new generation of would-be magicians to its mysterious Victorian manor base in Claremont in 2018.Registration for its entry levels courses, which commence on Saturday 3 February 2018, is now open.

Cape Town’s eager young learners are invited to come and learn the thrilling art of magic at the College of Magic, the only magical organisation of its kind in the world, through its beginner programmes:

• Course One, a 15-week introductory tour through the world of magic for budding young magicians from age 10 to 13.
• Magic and Showmanship course, an intensive 30 lesson programme providing high school students with a solid introduction to magic.

The ever-popular lessons will be held on Saturdays at the College ‘s enchanting century-old building, where, in addition to commencing their magical studies, new students will also have access to Africa's largest magic museum, a multi-purpose Imagination Centre, a magical library, the Magic Shop and more

In 2018, the College of Magic celebrates 38 years of teaching the theatrical performing art of magic and its allied arts as well as vital life-skills to children and adults. The organisation is excited to welcome its new recruits:

“Magic provides a wonderful new way of learning for students, imbuing them with confidence, the ability to perform and captivate an audience and hope to realise their dreams. We look forward to sharing these positive effects with our aspiring magicians and we cannot wait to share the wonder of magic with all of you! ”, says David Gore, director of the College of Magic.

Learn the art of magic:

The Course One and Magic and Showmanship courses will commence on Saturday 3 February 2018 and will run at the College of Magic (215 Imam Haron Road, Claremont). Fees for Course One (half year course) are R520 per month or R2 850 for full payment, and for the Magic and Showmanship course (full-year course) fees are R520 per month or R5 210 for the entire course. Fees include lessons, notes, magical equipment and allied arts such as puppetry, juggling and mime and clowning sessions.

To register, please call +27(0)21 683 5480 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For more information please visit www.collegeofmagic.com.

Ten young magicians vie for provincial champion titles and top honours

The ultimate provincial magical teen battle of the year, the 2017 Western Cape Junior Magician Championships, returns to Cape Town’s Bergvliet High School on Saturday 23 September 2017.

Hosted annually by the College of Magic, Cape Town’s only magical arts organisation, the Championships will see ten of the province’s most promising young wizards go wand to wand in two thrilling contests for the Western Cape Junior Magician title and the opportunity to attend international magical events.

It is every teenage wunderkind for his or herself as they prepare to wow a judging panel of entertainment veterans and the audience with their competing acts in the dexterous art of Close-Up magic and stunning illusions of Stage magic.

While the judges deliberate about winners for the Close-Up and Stage magic events at 4pm and 7pm, audience members can enjoy the not-to-be-missed Street Magic Contest. The contest sees mischievous buskers perform their marvellous coin magic, card tricks and balloon modeling up close for fans who can then vote, via ballot paper, for their 2017 Street Magic Champion.

Celebrating its 37th year of teaching the art of magic and its allied arts as well as vital life-skills to children and adults in 2017, the College of Magic, a non-profit organisation and the only one of its kind in the world, has proudly hosted the Championships for more than three decades:

“It is an incredible honour to host the Championships, one of the most highly anticipated magical events of the year, once again. A family- friendly event of this nature not only prepares our contestants for competing in the professional magical world but it also gives magic fanatics a taste of astonishing entertainment they won’t soon forget!”, says David Gore, director of the College of Magic.

Be a spectator at the ultimate teenage magical battle of the year:

An entertaining afternoon/evening of magical showmanship awaits spectators at the Western Cape Junior Magician Championships at Bergvliet High School on Saturday 23 September 2017! Tickets for the Championships start from R100 and are available at www.collegeofmagic.com/tickets. Book yours TODAY!

For more information about the Championships and the College of Magic, please visit www.collegeofmagic.com or call +27(0)21 683 5480.

Following a global magical tour, award-winning sleight-of-hand artist Stuart Lightbody returns home to Cape Town this winter to present his breath-taking new show, Unique Wonders, at the Alexander Upstairs Theatre, from Monday 31 July to Saturday 19 August 2017.

Directed by Tara Notcutt, the 75 minute Unique Wonders show will see two-time South African Close-Up Magic champion and multiple winner of the Grahamstown National Arts Festival Silver Ovation Award Lightbody use his signature style of magic and sleight of hand to take audiences on a journey into the magician’s mind, a place where anything and everything is possible.The magicians' secret world exists behind locked doors and this is the curious audience’s opportunity to see what lies behind them.

Every piece of magic has a hidden story: Tales of great magicians from the past, travels around the world, and unusual adventures. Each night willing audience members are given a key to explore Lightbody’s mind and get to choose from the many strange objects available on stage, deciding themselves which wonders unfold. No two performances are alike and this is the wonderful, irresistible appeal of “Unique Wonders”.

With several international accolades, including the Weekly Best of Fest Award at the Adelaide Fringe Festival, the Creative Award at the Prague Fringe Festival and a three-time nomination for the Australian Fringe World Festival's Theatre Award to his name, Lightbody has been captivating the imaginations of international and local audiences for almost 20 years.

He is thrilled to be debuting his new show in the Mother City:

“Unique Wonders offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Not just because each night the audience will decide on many of the pieces in the show, but because the adventure doesn’t end there. After the show, everyone is invited to explore deeper. An even more immersive experience of wonder is available if they follow the clues, to see where their curiosity takes them and what their key opens. This show is guaranteed to be unlike anything Cape Town audiences have ever seen before”.

Lightbody’s astonishing turn in Unique Wonders will be directed by acclaimed local director Tara Notcutt (miskien, Mafeking Road, The Three Little Pigs, and Three Blind Mice).  Notcutt and Lightbody have worked together on numerous shows, including Illusive, Devilish, and Sleepless Dreams, and most recently Memorable Moments, which travelled to the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. Unique Wonders will be their fifth collaboration.

Follow Stuart Lightbody down the rabbit hole and into a world of Unique Wonders:

Stuart Lightbody’s Unique Wonders runs at the Alexander Theatre Upstairs from Monday 31 July to Saturday 19 August 2017 at 9pm every evening (except Sundays). Tickets are R140 (R120 online) and available at alexanderbar.co.za/show/uniquewonders or +27(0)21 300 1652.

For more information about the show and the incredible Stuart Lightbody, please visit www.stuartlightbody.com.

Cape Town’s families are invited to escape from the blistering cold into a fantastical world of magic as the College of Magic once again proudly presents its popular winter school holiday event, the 2017 Traditional Children’s Magic Festival from Wednesday 5 to Saturday 8 July 2017.

The four-day enchanting Festival programme will see more than 50 beguiling jugglers, clowns, mimes, escapologists, magicians, stilt walkers and more cast an entertaining spell on the young and the young at heart with magical workshops, thrilling magic shows and so much more!

The College of Magic’s warm Victorian manor in Claremont provides the perfect venue for this unique journey into a world of fantasy where untold surprises and mysteries await in every room. From amazing performances by special guest artists to hands-on interactive workshops where aspirant wizards can learn how to perform their own tricks and not-to-be-missed photo opportunities with our resident magical bunny, the affordable Festival experience is non-stop charming fun for the whole family.

Now in its 37th year of teaching the art of magic and its allied arts as well as vital life-skills to children and adults, the College of Magic is thrilled to be hosting this must-attend winter family experience:

“The Children’s Magic Festival has been a highlight on the magical calendar for both our performers and the public since 1994, attracting magic fanatics from all over Cape Town. This year, we’re excited to once again welcome all of you and encourage you to dress up to the Festival theme – a World of Fantasy! Fairies, magicians, princesses and superheroes, we want to see you all at our incredible event this winter school holiday!” says David Gore, director of the College of Magic.

The Festival will be held at the College of Magic, 215 Imam Haron Road in Claremont, with the 90-minute show programme running daily at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm.

Book your tickets and join us in our World of Fantasy at the 2017 Traditional Children’s Magic Festival:

Tickets for the 2017 Traditional Children’s Magic Festival are available from R80 with a discount for family bookings. Book yours TODAY at www.collegeofmagic.com/tickets.For more information about the festival and the College of Magic, please visit www.collegeofmagic.com or call +27(0)21 683 5480.

First show at Artscape Theatre sold out, second show adde

The Imagine! Family Magic Spectacular, South Africa’s biggest magic show, will feature the enchanting magicienne Lee Cohen from Melbourne, Australia, when it dazzles Capetonian audiences at the Artscape Theatre on Saturday 3 June, 2017.

With tickets for the first show having vanished in the blink of an eye, a must-see second performance of the Imagine! Spectacular, once again presented by the College of Magic, Cape Town’s only magical arts organisation, will be staged at 2h30pm.

A magical extravaganza unlike any other and featuring an amazing cast of more than 50 top children’s entertainers, illusionists, jugglers, mimes and more, the Imagine! Spectacular played to sold-out audiences in 2016. This year’s edition of incredible illusions and dazzling magic is sure to be even more fantastical with the addition of the internationally renowned Cohen performing her special brand of walk-about magic as her enthralling onstage persona, Fairy Lee,

Cohen, a second generation magician and past president of the Australian Institute of Magic, takes her position as one of the few female magicians in the world very seriously.

In her quest to inspire young girls, she discovered parents and children alike perceive magic to be tied to their fascination with fairies and the Fairy Lee character, with an entire show built around this mystical character, was born.

A talented musician, makeup artist and TV presenter who has captivated crowds with her magic in Hong Kong, Korea and  the United States of America; this is the beguiling performer‘s second visit to South Africa.

Spectacular audiences are in for a magical treat as Fairy Lee will be roaming the halls of Artscape before and after the stage show where anything and everything is possible. She’ll charm families with her fairy magic words, fairy dust and a possible special appearance in the foyer by her very special best friend, a beautiful rabbit named Hey Presto.

Cohen is thrilled at the opportunity to share a touch of magic with Capetonian audiences:

“Magic fans around the world seem to love fairies as much as I do and I’m sure the Mother City is no different! I look forward to capturing their imaginations and getting to meet so many new friends at the Imagine! Spectacular. ”

The College of Magic, now in its 37th year of teaching the art of magic and its allied arts as well as vital life-skills to children and adults, regularly hosts international magicians at their mega magical events.

The College, a  non-profit organisation, and the only one of its kind in the world, is delighted to have Cohen join its Imagine! Spectacular as a special fairy guest at the Artscape this June:

“Each year, we dream up bigger and better ways of making the Imagine! show even more spectacular. What an amazing opportunity for young people to get to meet a real live magical fairy - this year’s show is one not-to-be-missed!”, says David Gore, director of the College of Magic.

Tickets for the second Imagine! Family Magic Spectacular show are disappearing faster than you can say “Abracadabra”! Tickets are available from R160 with discounts for family bookings at Computicket. Book yours TODAY!

Proceeds from the show will be used in aid of the organisation’s Umlingo Outreach initiative which provides holistic life skills to young people in need.

For more information about the College of Magic and the Imagine! Family Magic Spectacular, please visit www.collegeofmagic.com, call +27(0)21 683 5480 or follow the College on Facebook – www.facebook.com/collegeofmagic

The College of Magic, Cape Town’s only magical arts organisation, will transform the Helderberg area into a winter wonderland when it launches its National Lotteries Commission funded ‘Hope in Flight’ community programme, in partnership with the Imibala Trust, as a six week training Juggling and Card Skills course, from Thursday 4 May to Thursday 8 June, 2017.  

The College of Magic, now in its 37th year of teaching the magic theatrical performing arts and its allied arts (including juggling, puppetry, mime and clowning), with a social and life- skills component  to children and adults, is a non-profit organisation and the only one of its kind in the world.   Helderberg’s aspiring Harry Potters are invited to get a sneak peek behind the magician’s curtain at the Imibala Trust’s charming base in Bright Street in bustling Somerset West.   H

ere, the College’s voluntary staff, led by renowned South African magician and the face of world-famous beverage brand Coca Cola’s global relaunch campaign, Olwethu Dyantyi,  will introduce the wizarding recruits to the wonder of magic with a two-hour long lesson each week.  

Students from diverse backgrounds, between the age of 10 and 15 years old, will learn all kinds of fantastic effects in these incredible sessions, including the gravity defying effects of juggling which improves hand and eye coordination and the dexterity of card magic. In addition, these lessons offer learners the chance to improve their social and communication skills as well as equip them with employable skills.  

The Juggling and Card Skills course forms part of the College of Magic’s community training programme, a project funded with a grant of R500 000 from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) which supports disadvantaged students.   The ‘Hope in Flight’ community programme is an extension of the College’s successful Magic in the Community programme, which provides young people from poor communities with the opportunity to participate in an innovative performing arts training and development programme and promote a platform for the understanding and affirmation of South Africa’s cultural diversity.   

The College of Magic is thrilled to be commencing the next phase of its ‘Magic in the Community’ programme with the Imibala Trust:  

“The Imibala Trust has a strong community and youth development focus which makes them the perfect partner to help launch this phase of our programme and share the wonder of magic with a new generation of magic students. We look forward to motivating and inspiring the youth alongside them”, says David Gore, director of the College of Magic.   

Clare Jeffrey of Imibala Trust concurs:

“Magic has the ability to unite people, especially children, from all backgrounds. The College of Magic has a proven successful record of promoting diversity and unification through their teaching and we are committed to implementing this practice into our programmes.”  

A portion of the generous NLC grant has been used to appoint Dyantyi, a 2015 South African Magic Championships Grand Prix winner and a charming illusionist from Khayelitsha, who has performed all over the world, including China, USA, UK, Croatia and Italy, as the Magic in the Community coordinator.  

The talented performer can’t wait for the Juggling and Card Skills course to begin:  

“Kick-starting our “Magic in the Community’ project in the Helderberg area is so exciting! I can’t wait to meet my new students and help them develop their self-confidence. I have so much to teach them about the amazing world of magic”, says Dyantyi.  

The NLC relies on funds from the proceeds of the National Lottery. The Lotteries Act guides the way in which NLC funding may be allocated. The intention of NLC funding is to make a difference to the lives of all South Africans, especially those more vulnerable and to improve the sustainability of the beneficiary organisations. Available funds are distributed to registered and qualifying non-profit organisations in the fields of charities; arts, culture and national heritage; and sport and recreation. By placing its emphasis on areas of greatest need and potential, the NLC contributes to South Africa’s development.  

“We support the College of Magic’s vision for improving the lives of disadvantaged youth through the art of magic and are proud to be associated with the Magic in the Community and rural programme. We look forward to seeing how these programmes and our contribution can positively influence their futures”, says Ms. Marcelle Musson, the NLC Provincial Manager of the Western Cape.   Please visit the National Lotteries Commission website www.nlcsa.org.za to find out about the NLC mandate and other projects they fund.  

Calling all aspirant mini-magicians in the Helderberg area:  

Youngsters, between 10 and 15 years old, keen to learn the wondrous art of magic, are invited to  join the College of Magic’s Juggling and Card Skills course, to be held weekly for six weeks at the Imibala Trust’s premises in Bright Street, Somerset West from Thursday 4 May to Thursday 8 June, 2017 from 3.00pm to 5.00pm.  

For families who can afford, the fees are R1200 and include notes and magical equipment, which will be provided by the College of Magic.   Registration for the Juggling and Card Skills course is now open. Please email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 021 852 0418.    

For more information about the College of Magic and its social outreach initiatives, please visit www.collegeofmagic.com.  

Portion of funds to be used to appoint SA magician Olwethu Dyantyi as project coordinator  

The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) has awarded the College of Magic, Cape Town’s only magical arts organisation, a substantial grant of R500 000 to roll out its successful Magic in the Community  project to rural areas in the Western Cape.  

The College of Magic, now in its 37th year of teaching the magic theatrical performing arts and its allied arts (including juggling, puppetry, mime and clowning), with a social and like- skills component  to children and adults, is a non-profit organisation and the only one of its kind in the world.  

In addition to boosting the College of Magic’s training efforts, the NLC grant will assist the College in sharing the wonder of magic with youth from poor communities, through its Magic in the Community programme and the development of a new rural areas programme.  

The College launched the Magic in the Community project in 2000 as a means of providing young people from poor communities with the opportunity to participate in an innovative performing arts training and development programme and promote a platform for the understanding and affirmation of South Africa’s cultural diversity.   

The new rural project will see the College grow its reach to the rural areas of the West Coast, Winelands and the Overberg during 2017:  

“The pressing need for innovative interventions to transform and empower our youth, equip them with employable skills and give them hope for the future is well known. Thanks to the generosity of the National Lotteries Commission, expanding this project to the greater Cape is now possible and we are so thankful”, says David Gore, director of the College of Magic.  

Plans for the rural areas programme includes actively recruiting new students from outlying areas,  opening up the possibility of joining the College of Magic’s six year magical training and development programme available to them as well as providing food, transport and equipment support.  

A portion of the generous NLC grant has been used to appoint renowned South African magician and the face of world-famous beverage brand Coca Cola’s global relaunch campaign, Olwethu Dyantyi, as the Magic in the Community coordinator.  

A 2015 South African Magic Championships Grand Prix winner and a charming illusionist from Khayelitsha, who has performed all over the world, including China, USA, UK, Croatia and Italy, Dyantyi is a natural choice for the role. His new responsibilities will include the co-ordination of the Magic in the Community programme and setting up and running the rural areas programme.  

Dyantyi is thrilled with his captivating new role:  

“Learning and performing magic has changed my life and given me the chance to see the world. I can’t wait to share my magical knowledge with eager new students in the community and help them realise their own dreams! ” says the excited magician.  

The NLC relies on funds from the proceeds of the National Lottery. The Lotteries Act guides the way in which NLC funding may be allocated. The intention of NLC funding is to make a difference to the lives of all South Africans, especially those more vulnerable and to improve the sustainability of the beneficiary organisations. Available funds are distributed to registered and qualifying non-profit organisations in the fields of charities; arts, culture and national heritage; and sport and recreation. By placing its emphasis on areas of greatest need and potential, the NLC contributes to South Africa’s development.  

“We support the College of Magic’s vision for improving the lives of these disadvantaged youth through the art of magic and are proud to be associated with the Magic in the Community and rural areas programme. We look forward to seeing how these programmes and our contribution positively influence their futures”, says Ms. Marcelle Musson, the NLC Provincial Manager of the Western Cape.  

Please visit the National Lotteries Commission website www.nlcsa.org.za to find out about the NLC mandate and other projects they fund.  

For more information about the College of Magic and its social outreach initiatives, please visit www.collegeofmagic.com or call +27(0)21 683 5480.