Cape Town's College of Magic
In his colorful Plant Hollywood waistcoat, pristine white pin-tucked shirt and black bow tie, 25-year-old Knonzani Lembeni is an irresistibly appealing figure in the rather dreary surroundings of Khayelitsha in South Africa. As he waves his magic wand in the air and his silk handkerchief mysteriously unknots itself, jaws drop in the little crowd of spectators. What witchcraft is this?
No, he's the master of the art of showmanship, which goes hand in hand with being a successful magicians. It's something he learned along with magic secrets.
Becoming a magician was a lucky accident. Khonzani was a shy teenager would couldn't speak much English when one afternoon he was asked to hand out pamphlets from a show being put on by students of Cape Town's College of Magic. When he was afterwards offered the chance to take lessons sponsored by the college, he accepted, not even knowing what it involved. But it didn't take him long to pick up those magic balls and run with them, to the benefit of his whole community.
The College of Magic is allowing students from disadvantaged sectors the opportunity of experiencing the educational benefits that the their magical training offers. These upliftment initiatives have garnered the recognition of government, private enterprise, cultural organizations and supporters across the globe.
And foremost of these supporters are Magicians of the Century Siegfried & Roy. The legendary entertainer's performance is larger than life; a series of magical moments, unbelievable illusions and the greatest gift of all…the preservation of the Royal White Tigers and the Magical White Lions of Timbavati.
Through their tireless dedication, Siegfried & Roy have saved these mystical beasts from sure extinction. They have given the people of Southern Africa a legacy unlike any other…A Gift for the Ages.
"Southern Africa has already been a magical place for us because of our teaming with the Johannesburg Zoological Gardens to create global awareness to save the Magical White Lion," said Roy. "So when we learned about the needs of the students of the College of Magic, it was a natural joining for forces."
"We have used our on-stage magic in our conservation efforts," adds Siegfried. "Now, it's going toward youngsters who are experiencing the world of magic as we did when we were young."
