Developing rural artistic talent

IN the centre of King Dinuzulu suburb, out of the limelight, he Zethembe Community Development Organisation youth practice their performing arts.

The name ‘Zethembe’ means confidence and this is one trait these youngsters do not lack.

The non-profit organisation creates and develops young talent for the performing arts.

Mthunzi Thusi is the founder and chairperson of the organisation. Giving the youth a platform to perform while teaching them to save their earnings, they are also being groomed for business.

Their performances are segmented into acting, dancing, singing and poetry and they create awareness about the many social problems faced by the community. They tackle topics such as women and child abuse, alcoholism, HIV/Aids and other problems that plague the community.

Their performances are sure to keep the audience on the edge of their seats, either frowning or chuckling.

Working close with the Zethembe Community Development Organisation is Umzamo Wabasha. This NPO was created by the youth of King Dinuzulu with Khona Mthabela holding the reins. Led by a young woman for women, this organisation solely focuses on women awareness.

The aim is not only to reduce abuse against women but to end it and with passionate women like Khona, progress is being made.

Open to every woman with welcoming arms, the message disseminated is that ‘you are not alone’.

Women fight not only the physical fights but emotional struggles too and that is where Umzamo Wabasha comes in. Providing a sense of emotional well being is taken lightly but the results are huge as every action is initiated from a feeling.

The Lottery has funded such organisations but Thusi says more can be done to keep these organisations going.

They have applied to various institutions for funding and are awaiting a response.

On 26 April, the Zethembe Community Development youth will be hosting a poetry show at King Dinuzulu Hall. The entrance fee is only R5 and R50 for artists who want to participate in the show.