What we do

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMME | EDUCATION MODEL | OPERA MENTORSHIP & TALENT DEVELOPMENT | CIRCULAR FASHION DRIVE

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMME

Lady in Red Opera Gala Dinner

10th Anniversary Edition – 4 October 2025 | Westin Hotel, Cape Town

Since its debut in 2015 at the Sanlam Auditorium, the Lady in Red Opera Gala Dinner has evolved into a premier philanthropic and cultural event — blending opera excellence, fashion, and community upliftment in an elegant, impactful evening.

What Sets the Gala Apart

  • 🎯 Purpose-Driven Glamour: Attended by over 300 patrons including CEOs, cultural influencers, policymakers, and professionals, united by a mission of transformation through education.

  • 🎭 Opera Showcase: Featuring South Africa’s top opera talent alongside a curated student ensemble.

  • 🌟 Student Spotlights: Real-life success stories woven into the evening’s programme.

  • 🌱 Sustainability-Inspired: New initiatives like the Circular Fashion Drive bring a fresh, community-oriented touch.

EDUCATION MODEL

Support Beyond the Stage

Lady in Red provides holistic support for learners from Grade 10 to university, currently partnering with education NGO Amaqhawe nge Mfundo in three Khayelitsha high schools.

Key Pillars of Support

  • 🎓 Tertiary Bursaries

  • 🔬 STEM Tutoring

  • 💬 Life Skills & Emotional Wellbeing

  • 🌍 Long-Term Mentorship & Career Guidance

Student Achievements

Bursary recipients are now enrolled at:

  • Stellenbosch University

  • University of Cape Town

  • University of the Western Cape

Fields of study include Law, Medicine, Engineering, Computer Science, Science, and Environmental Leadership.

OPERA MENTORSHIP & TALENT DEVELOPMENT

A defining feature of Lady in Red is its ongoing support for emerging opera performers, many of whom launched their careers on the gala stage.

Past Performers Include:
Siphokazi Molteno, Tando Mjandana, Asisiphe Petu, Vuvu Mpofu, Nombulelo Yende, Sine Mnyango.

The 10th Anniversary Gala will feature a curated student ensemble, showcasing the future of South African opera.

CIRCULAR FASHION DRIVE

Inspired by the beauty and dignity of gala nightwear, the Circular Fashion Drive invites guests to donate gently worn gala outfits — dresses, suits, and accessories — for redistribution to learners for their matric dances.

A celebration of elegance with empathy, this initiative champions sustainability, inclusion, and community care.

Join the Movement

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMME | EDUCATION MODEL | OPERA MENTORSHIP & TALENT DEVELOPMENT | CIRCULAR FASHION DRIVE

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