Tafelsig dance teacher inspires youth to break free from gangsterism

In Tafelsig, where gangsterism and drugs remain a daily challenge, dance teacher Rubin Bantam and his wife, Franciline, are giving young people an alternative through their community dance group, Dynamic Angels.

The couple launched the initiative last year to provide safe activities for children and keep them off the streets. They also noticed the lack of activities for young people in the area.  “We aim to provide dance classes for everyone, but our main goal is to keep youth away from drugs and gangsterism,” Mr Bantam said.

Based at 39 Bieddouberg Street, Dynamic Angels also supports children with schoolwork and internet access. “Some have no Wi-Fi at home, so they come here to access emails and resources,” said Mrs Bantam, who is also active in the local neighbourhood watch.

On Saturday, September 6, the group hosted a fun-and-games day at their headquarters, which drew strong support from the community.

“We aim to educate and equip each child with the skills and development they need to feel valued beyond just being a child,” Mr Bantam said, expressing his desire to expand their facilities to reach even more young people.

Franciline Bantam, co-founder of the Dynamic Angels and an active member of the Tafelsig neighbourhood watch, said her husband's dedication was unwavering. “This was a successful event after a nervous start,” she said.

Parents have shared the positive influence Dynamic Angles has had on their children.

Nawaal Calvert praised Mr Bantam’s commitment: “He gives our children a great time and dedicates his time to them. He is not only teaching them dance but also helping them with their schoolwork. He is actively keeping them off the streets. Our area is crime-ridden, and we are grateful to him for guiding our children towards education.”

Mr Bantam said his vision was to gain momentum. By embedding a culture of joy and discipline within the youth, he said he hoped to inspire others in the community to follow suit and contribute to better their surroundings.

To support Dynamic Angles or for more information, FR Security can be reached at 063 428 9233 or 083 787 5463, with email queries directed to securefrservices@gmail.com.