Theatre in the name of conservation
Facilitators sent by EACI, assisted the schools to prepare, and did not fail to deliver
SCHOOLS participating in the Masilwele oBhejane Bethu High Schools Theatre Festival, all delivered one clear message: ‘Stop rhino poaching’.
Eskhaleni Arts and Culture Initiative (EACI) headed by Sizwe Zakwe, in partnership with uMkhuze Game Reserve, selected 10 local high schools to create their own anti-rhino poaching theatre pieces.
Facilitators sent by EACI, assisted the schools to prepare, and did not fail to deliver.
The top two schools were awarded with a two nights’ stay at uMkhuze Game Reserve, two days training and career guidance in the tourism industry and will also be taken on a guided tour around the reserve.
The works of the schools were presented in the uPhunsi Hall of the KwaJobe Tribal Authority, on 30 September in uMkhuze Reserve.
‘All ten schools did justice to the theme of the festival and as judges we were quite impressed with the level of commitment shown by the schools. It is unfortunate that there has to be winners,’ said Musa Ngoza, one of the judges.
More than 10 local institutions supported the festival, including the uMkhanyakude District Department of Education, KZN Department of Arts and Culture, the KwaJobe Tribal Authority, Rhino Arts organisation, Rhino Project organisation, Jozini Municipality and Mkuze Shoprite.
‘Judging from the local support I think the edge to do something against this evil deed has always been there, but had just needed someone to take that first step. It is for this reason that I believe this initiative came at the right time,’ said Sizwe Zakwe, founder and director of the programme.
Edward Goosen, conservation manager for uMkhuze Game Reserve, thanked local institutions for their support, adding that uMkhuze had lost 17 rhino since the beginning of 2016 as a result of poaching.
‘Pardon me if you see tears in my eyes, it’s because I am talking about something close to my heart. This programme comes at the time when I had just lost hope. But seeing so many members of the community, so many young people and with such a clear message, my hope has been restored. I am adamant we will win this fight,’ Goosen said.
Nhlanhla Malambula, an induna (sub chief), represented the local tribal authority and assured stakeholders who made the festival possible, that he will always support any fight against rhino poaching.
Malambula announced the winners of the festival, KwaGiba High School and Hlazazana High School.
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