A new creative space is set to provide children and young people in Langrug with access to music, dance, and art, while offering a safe environment where they can grow, express themselves, and dream bigger.
Tomorrowland Foundation officially opened its fourth Music & Arts School in the Langrug community, located just outside Franschhoek in South Africa’s Western Cape.
The initiative is the result of a unique collaboration between the Tomorrowland Foundation and the Langrug Community Centre (LCC), creating a dedicated hub where children and youngsters can learn, create, perform, and explore their creativity.
Following the opening of earlier Tomorrowland Foundation Music & Arts Schools in Nepal, India and Brazil, the Langrug school marks the Foundation’s first Music & Arts School on the African continent. The project further strengthens the Foundation’s long-term commitment to empowering vulnerable children and youngsters through music, dance, art and creative education.
A Community built on resilience and full of potential
The Langrug Community Centre is located in the heart of Langrug, a growing informal settlement on the outskirts of Franschhoek. Langrug is home to thousands of residents and is shaped by daily challenges such as poverty, unemployment and limited access to essential services. Yet it is also a community full of strength, creativity, ambition, and untapped potential.
What began in 2012 as a simple soup kitchen has evolved into a community-driven hub of hope and opportunity. Today, LCC provides practical support through food initiatives, education, skills development, and employment-focused activities, helping individuals and families build more self-sufficient and meaningful lives.
While the centre is open to all members of the community, it places particular emphasis on empowering children and youngsters, ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the tools and opportunities needed to shape a brighter future.
Empowering Dreams Through Music & Arts
With Tomorrowland Foundation‘s support, the LCC is now taking a major step forward. The new Music & Arts School has been built in the heart of the community as a fully dedicated space for creative expression, learning and personal growth.
The state-of-the-art facility covers more than 400 square meters, spread over two floors and complemented by an open terrace. Built with modular units, the school consists of fully equipped classroom spaces designed specifically for music, dance, visual arts, reading and other forms of creative expression.
Every afternoon, the school will offer a structured after-school program for children and youngsters aged 6 to 16. By introducing them to creativity in a safe, inspiring and structured environment, the program aims to strengthen self-esteem and stimulate talent.
Over the next few years, LCC aims to gradually expand the program and grow towards a daily capacity of up to 600 children and youngsters. The lessons will be supported by a team of teachers, artists and facilitators, with a strong ambition to involve and train these people from within the Langrug community itself.
In this way, the school will not only create opportunities for children, but also contribute to community ownership.
A Long-Term Vision for Growth
Until now, the Langrug Community Centre has primarily focused on early childhood development for children aged 1 to 5, while also creating opportunities for youth choir and dance groups. The opening of the Tomorrowland Foundation Music & Arts School allows the centre to broaden its reach and create a continuous development pathway for children as they grow older.
This expansion reflects a long-term vision: to support children not only in their earliest years, but throughout their formative development into confident, creative and resilient individuals. Through music and the arts, the school will offer children and youngsters a place where they are seen, heard and encouraged to dream beyond the limits of their daily circumstances.
Driven by a devoted team
A project of this scale can only be realised through the passion and unbridled commitment of the people behind it. The Langrug Community Centre is led by a devoted local team that works every day to respond to the needs of the community, turning practical support into long-term opportunity.
Janet Johnson, Founder and Coordinator, leads the centre’s initiatives, fundraising efforts, and partnerships. Driven by a deep commitment to Langrug, she plays a central role in keeping the centre connected to the community it serves.
Nasiphi Notoza, Tour and Administration Manager, oversees the township tours, manages administration and ensures smooth daily operations at the centre.
Bhura Balangile, Feeding Scheme Coordinator, ensures that the feeding program provides nutritious meals to children and vulnerable adults on Saturdays and during school holidays.
Kathleen Aerts and Steven van Hoof are closely involved as driving forces, supporters, and international ambassadors for the Langrug Community Centre. Kathleen, a Belgian singer, presenter and former member of K3, has been living in South Africa with Steven and their family for several years.
Together, they use their platform, network and strong connection with South Africa to attract attention, resources and long-term support for Langrug. Steven also played a key role in securing and restoring the centre’s building when its future was at risk, helping safeguard its role for generations to come.
