Riebeek Kasteel, in the West Coast District Municipality, is situated just off the R46, 20 minutes from Malmesbury and an hour’s drive from Cape Town. The Steelband Project has been active in this community for over 18 years, and has worked with 4 successive editions of the steelband in the town. Membership of the Riebeek Kasteel Steelband is highly prized and many current and ex-steelband members are considered to be role models in their community, which is beset by many of the social problems of rural communities.
Over the years the band has performed at many high profile events and functions, such as Ratanga Junction, Spier Wine Estate, Parliament, Kirstenbosch Gardens, the annual Steelband Festival at the Baxter Theatre and many town fairs, festivals and weddings throughout the Province. 4 of the band also travelled to Mozambique in April to perform for a Mercedes Benz corporate event.
Riebeek Kasteel teachers David Wickham and Donald Lameyer, and assistant teachers, Grandwill Grant and Jovan Heynse are currently doing the Community Music Educators programme at UWC, a 2 year certificate or 3 year diploma programme.