WORLDVISUALS SOuth AFRICA
The Clarens Festival of Lights is an initiative of Worldvisuals South Africa, an NPC, based in Clarens. Worldvisuals SA envisions empowered communities where creativity, sustainability, and knowledge converge to improve quality of life. Our mission is to uplift and unite communities through innovative projects in education, culture, and green development – using film, arts, and hands-on initiatives as catalysts for social change. We believe in nurturing local talent and resources to address social challenges like unemployment, inequality, and environmental sustainability, thereby creating a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
To further its public benefit objectives, Worldvisuals South Africa actively collaborates with its sister organisation, Worldvisuals Netherlands, a registered Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) under Dutch law. This partnership enhances the Organisation’s capacity to deliver impactful programs by facilitating international knowledge exchange, technical expertise, and strategic support.
The foundation is run by Jacquie Le Roux, Verné Botha and Vickey Ramela all living in Clarens.
OBJECTIVES OF THE NPC
Community Upliftment and Social Development:
To design and implement projects that uplift disadvantaged communities and improve the well-being of vulnerable groups. This includes initiatives for job creation, skills training, and entrepreneurship development, with a special focus on youth and women’s empowerment in underserved areas.
Arts, Culture and Education
To use film, visual arts, festivals, and cultural programs as tools for education and social change. The Organisation supports local artists and storytellers, promoting creative expression that addresses social issues (e.g. workshops, performances highlighting issues like gender-based violence or inequality). These activities aim to enhance community engagement, support local artists, and educate the public.
Environmental Sustainability and Green Energy
To undertake and support sustainability projects in townships and rural communities, including renewable energy initiatives (such as solar lighting installations, green technology training) and environmental conservation programs. These projects promote green energy solutions and environmental awareness for the benefit of the community and the broader public.
Community Welfare and Women’s Empowerment
To carry out programs that advance women’s empowerment and gender equality (such as women-led skill development workshops and leadership programs) and general community welfare services. This includes health awareness, education, and social support programs that benefit vulnerable families, children, and the elderly in the community.
OUR PROJECTS
The Clarens Festival of Lights begins as a celebration of art and illumination. Out of this annual
spectacle will grow at least six legacy projects in the next couple of years, aimed at year-round impact: improving education, creating
jobs, empowering artists, promoting sustainability, strengthening community capacity, and catalyzing citizen
investment. Collectively, these projects form the CFoL form the Light Legacy Trust, a coordinated
program designed to transform Clarens into South Africa’s first “Light Legacy Town” and to serve as a replicable model for rural innovation and inclusivity.
Educational & Cultural Enrichment Program
Tackle youth unemployment by equipping young people (50 % women) with employable skills and pathways to work or entrepreneurship.
Community Plan & Capacity-Building
Provide interactive science, technology, arts and heritage education to rural students and teachers, while preserving cultural narratives.
Sustainability & Green Legacy Project
Position Clarens as a climate-smart town by reducing the festival’s carbon footprint, promoting circular waste systems and creating green jobs.
Women’s Empowerment & Entrepreneurship Initiative
uplifting unemployed and aspiring women entrepreneurs in Clarens by turning the local Clarens Festival of Lights) into a launchpad for women-led micro-businesses.
Community Legacy Platform
Build local ownership, strengthen governance and ensure the festival’s benefits reach all residents year-round.
Community Plan & Capacity-Building
Build local ownership, strengthen governance and ensure the festival’s benefits reach all residents year-round.
Get In Touch With Us
The Clarens Festival of Lights is an initiative by Worldvisuals South Africa, based in Clarens. Reach out to us via email for questions regarding jobs, programmes, partnerships, or otherwise.
18 Larola Street, Clarens, 9707
Free State, South Africa
Telephone: +27 71 3664630
E-mail: worldvisualssa@gmail.com
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