14 September 2010
Renzia Coetzee, who co-ordinates entertainment events at Hoërskool Langenhoven, has taught accounting for the past 18 years. Winds of change have seen the school move from an all white Afrikaans school to a now black English School. More recently the school has opted to purchase their own lighting equipment instead of hiring as they did in the past. They are as excited as ever. On a historic note, Hoërskool Langenhoven situated in Pretoria, South Africa is almost 120 years old and they have been in their current school building for the past 70 years. The school was named after Cornelis Jacobus Langenhoven (13 August 1873 – 15 July 1932), best known to have written the words for the original South African Anthem Die Stem. 
“My kids love dancing and performing and we try our best to give them opportunities within our limited practice time frame,” said Renzia Coetzee. “Most of the children live very far from the school in areas like Shushanguve/Hammanskraal, so we cannot practise in the evenings.”
In the past, Hoërskool Langenhoven mostly hired in equipment for concerts or larger events. That is until rental company Production Projects suggested they contact DWR Distribution to upgrade their lighting system.
DWR’s Dan Riley met with Renzia and Elize Rossouw ( deputy principle) to discuss the school’s requirements. “They were very nice,” he said. “Lovely people to deal with.”
The school opted for a LSC 12/24 Way MINIM Control Desk with 2 x Redback 6 Way Dimmer packs with a patch bay. A new Front of House Bar was installed and the existing bars were revamped with rewiring to the patch bay – thank you to DWR’s Easy Moeketsi and Philemon Maepa.
“It’s wonderful and exciting!,” commented Renzia. “We are most definitely going to have more performing opportunities.” The console will mostly be operated by teachers, but there is also a “Hall Committee” consisting of four students who will assist when needed. 
“You guys are really amazing. Service is friendly, fast and efficient and I love the fact that I can ask your help any time,” said Renzia.
She adds, “And I’m going to say this in Afrikaans…Dit is so lekker om met professionele mense te werk wat ons projek sien en hanteer soos die belangrike projek wat dit vir ons is.This project lets our kids realise how important their talents are.”
Wonderful to know that South Africa has many young people eager to perform and dedicated teachers who are there to encourage and nurture this passion.
