PARKSIDE Primary was delighted with the substantial donation of funds raised by IT consulting company EOH through the performance of Cape Town band Joedhouse at the Guild Theatre last week.
Not only were the paying public entertained at the theatre, but pupils were inspired when the artists visited the school, sharing some songs and words of advice and motivation.
Ashur Petersen, 24, son of the late South African icon Taliep Petersen, and Rick-Lynn Groenewald, son of the late SA legend Ricardo (singer of the hit I love you Daddy), got the crowd singing and dancing to the covers they performed.

Joedhouse leader Devanish Hendricks also shared some words of advice with the children.
“EOH [who sponsored the show] approached us and we were on board right away. This is great opportunity to deposit back into the community and have a positive impact on youngsters in our personal capacity.
“It’s difficult to persuade youngsters into a career in music. I hope to chat with some of the children with a passion for music today and give them some advice and assistance.”
Hendricks told learners that it was important to make good choices at a young age and find a career you loved and were passionate about. He also encouraged them to respect their teachers and stay in school in order to get their future on track.
EOH executive director Dion Ramoo heard about the plight of the under-resourced school in Parkside and sought to assist through this initiative. Go! & Express wrote about the break-ins and vandalism at the school earlier this year, causing damage exceeding R250000.
No electricity, vandalised toilets and no water forced the school to shut its doors for 10 days in August until water was restored. A lack of security around the school and corroding infrastructure leaves it vulnerable to theft.

Petersen said: “When Devanish asked me to perform and told me about the plight of this school, I was down immediately. Education is a right and should never be stolen from you… I know what it’s like to have everything and nothing. I know that God never puts you through what you can’t handle.”
Principal Brian Fritz said he hoped to use the funds to build a secure wall around the property, upgrade the toilet facilities and the admin block and increase security.