Anglo American Chairman’s Fund proud of battle of the bands results

Oct. 22, 2009 - PRLog -- As part of their ongoing commitment to deliver meaningful and long lasting benefits to the communities it reaches, the Anglo American Chairman’s Fund supported three bands at this year’s Field Band Foundation National Championships. The annual competition, which took place in Johannesburg from 2 to 3 October at the Johannesburg Athletics Stadium, showcased the talents of South Africa’s youth.

Represented by 2 016 of the Field Band Foundation’s 4 127 members representing 286 schools in 109 townships, the Foundation provides disadvantaged children with a variety of life skills including information on HIV/AIDS through the mediums of dance, music and music theory, expressed in the formation of field bands around the country.

Individual and foundation band competitions are scheduled on the first day of the event, while more experienced bands compete on the second day.

Under the foundation category there were two bands supported by Anglo American; Anglo American’s Tsantsabane Field Band, based in Postmasburg under the wing of Kumba Iron Ore and the Anglo American eMalahleni Field Band, based in Witbank under the care of Anglo Coal. Both bands did extremely well and walked away with silver medals for their themed performances of ‘The New Start’ and ‘Tribute to Bongani’, respectively.

Competing in the second day’s Premier Division, the Stock Anglo Field Band, under the guardianship of Anglo Platinum in Rustenburg, performing under the theme of “Culture Excellence’ faced some stiff competition from eight other rival bands.

“We believe that by partnering with the Field Band Foundation in this competition enables us to have continued engagement within the communities in which we operate,” says Pranill Ramchander, Media Relations and External Communications Manager for Anglo American SA. “As an organisation, Anglo American places tremendous importance on investing in young South Africans in a visible manner, which is why we are proud to be associated with this competition.”

Using the vital role that arts play in social inclusion and development, the Foundation envisages bringing this project to 6 000 youths by 2012.

“There may be only one national winner and our congratulations go to the De Beers Kimberley Field Band, but we strongly believe that all participants walked away from the competition having gained invaluable experience, personal growth, and a greater sense of self-confidence,” concludes Ramchander.


For further information, please contact:

South Africa

Pranill Ramchander, Media Relations
Tel: +27 (0)11 638 2592 / +27 (0) 82 330 4053