FAREWELL ADDRESS FROM THE CHAIRPERSON OF BETHLEHEM EISTEDDFOD
Dear Participants, Parents, Guardians, and Teachers,
It has been a great privilege to serve as the Chairperson of the Bethlehem Eisteddfod since 2016. This role became my passion,
allowing me to off er learners the opportunity to showcase their talents on our stages here in Bethlehem.
- Support and Growth
The support received from across our region has been invaluable. Participants have joined us from Ficksburg,
Fouriesburg, Clocolan, Harrismith, Kestell, Vrede, Welkom, Kroonstad, Gauteng, Ladybrand, Senekal, Warden,
Rosendal, Clarens, Zastron, Bloemfontein, Frankfort, Parys, Qwa-Qwa, farm schools in our surrounding areas, and many
other towns I may not have mentioned. During the COVID pandemic, I took the initiative to arrange online applications,
enabling participants from as far as Ireland and Scotland to join us — including an 80-year-old lady who participated
online. - Adult Participation
One of my personal delights was seeing adults, especially the elderly, engage in categories such as instrumental music,
photography, art, and even dance. - The Purpose of the Eisteddfod
The main aim of an Eisteddfod is to provide learners who practise ballet, drama, instrumental music, singing, and other
classes, but who might not usually have the opportunity to perform on stage, with a plaform to do so. Many learners
who attend private lessons might be chosen to participate in other forms of stage performances, but the Eisteddfod is a
chance for all to shine. I extend my gratitude to the supporting schools that allowed us to use their stages: Jordania,
Truida Kestell, Voortrekker, Caritas, and New Horizon (BHM). - Acknowledging Effort and Participation
It has been a huge honour to provide Culture learners with an opportunity to grow in confi dence and reward their hard
work and practice in their chosen fields. The main aim of an Eisteddfod is participation, with each learner receiving a
certificate in recognition of their efforts throughout the year. - Community Involvement and Committee
Over the years, I have requested help from the Bethlehem community. Although support was initially limited, I
persevered. I was fortunate to have an amazing committee who dedicated an immense amount of personal time —
many months before and after the Eisteddfod — to handle the large volume of administration required. Eventually,
Bethlehem Schools stepped in to keep the Bethlehem Eisteddfod alive in our town and surrounding areas. Should you be
able to offer your time or financial support, Bernette Erasmus, the new Chairperson, will acknowledge your
contribution unless you wish to remain anonymous. Your support is crucial to highlighting Culture within our schools,
home schools, farm schools, and beyond. - Gratitude to Supporters
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my husband, Phil Luwes, my right-hand and ‘jack of all trades’, for his
tremendous work in administration, treasury, website management, Facebook updates, retyping participants’ names
on certificates, and accommodating schools needing programme adjustments. Despite challenges, he never gave up. He
was also a handyman, delivery man, and even, unexpectedly, an assistant to the Instrumental Adjudicator last year.
During COVID, he managed the transition to online entry forms and the reduction of large video files for easier sharing.
In 2018, with the help of our IT specialist, Lyle, they managed to print certificates directly from the Adjudicator table to
the computer room of each venue, showcasing innovative technology in challenging times and ensuring support for
participants of all ages. - Thanks to the Committee
Over the years, I inherited a committee filled with passionate and hardworking individuals who were not afraid of extra
work. In my early years, they taught me how to run an Eisteddfod despite my lack of experience. Thank you from the
bottom of my heart. - Final Words and Best Wishes
I now wish Bethlehem Schools all the best in this significant venture and in supporting culture in Bethlehem. With
recognition to the Harrismith Eisteddfod, with whom we have alternated hosting responsibilities each year — it has been
an honour to work side by side.
Had my son, Steven Sacht-Luwes, and the support of his piano teacher, Jenny Reed, not been involved in Eisteddfods
throughout his 12 years of schooling in the Free State, I may not have followed this path. - Farewell
It is now time for me to take my leave with many fond memories. I wish Bernettee Erasmus as Chairperson all the very
best in her new role. May previous and new participants continue to build their own Eisteddfod memories. With a
dramatic wave, I bid you adieu and cheerio!
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