Sakhuluntu Cultural Group is a communitybased initiative cofounded by Vuyo Booi, who makes his own home available for the group’s activities.
The group welcomes children from seven to nineteen years of age, nurturing them as singers, dancers and actors, while over 19s are offered the opportunity to volunteer and gain experience that could lead to self-employment.
Sakhuluntu Cultural Group is a communitybased initiative cofounded by Vuyo Booi, who makes his own home available for the group’s activities.
The group welcomes children from seven to nineteen years of age, nurturing them as singers, dancers and actors, while over 19s are offered the opportunity to volunteer and gain experience that could lead to self-employment.
In partnership with local recording artists Balisto Productions, the group held its 2010 pre-opening event at the Sakhuluntu grounds in Extension 9 on Sunday afternoon.
This precedes a trip to Trans Valley on 16 May for the group’s official opening ceremony. The premises were echoing with positive messages, with a strong emphasis on its anti-alcohol campaign.
“We are very conscious in defending the youth from bad infuences, more especially drugs, alcohol and crime.
This is a campaign that we would like to spread to local organisations and even to schools where the youth gathers,” said the vocal Booi while addressing the crowd.
In the beginning of 2009, Sakhuluntu spread its wings to Bathurst to a farm called Trans Valley. Under the guidance of chairperson Marryn Marr, who lives at the farm, the group have been joining the two communities together in upliftment.
“The point of taking the initiative to Bathurst is to revive the dignity of its residents, ensuring that there are activities there to empower the youth.
We also want to engage the community in programmes that will make them aware of their rights, so they too can take action against unfair treatment in their communities,” says Marr.
Efese Betela (21) who facilitates the children in visual arts and creative writing, emphasised his message: “Ignore fashion and things that don’t last and try your best to treat yourselves with respect and avoid bad influences.
There is assistance from organisations such as the Department of Social Development, Sakhuluntu and many other community based organisations.”
The wisdom shared by the young performers and the speakers automatically shaped the ocassion into a vital life lesson for all who attended.
Present at the event were local care workers from Jabez Centre who spread relevant information on services offered at the centre.
Care worker Nosipho Salmaan also warned about the dangers caused by alcohol to HIV/Aids infected patients.
“Do not use nor abuse alcohol while infected with HIV/Aids or you will be putting your life at risk as you are limiting your life and you could die at an earlier age because alcohol weakens your immune system.”
Marketing Media Officer Efese Betela based his points on a note titled “Why we are poor?” stating causes such as unemployment, lack of sanity, poor health, lack of education, housing and the rise of crime that often leads to murder.
“The land we are living in is very rich, the earth produces rich and valuable minerals but yet we find ourselves in poor conditions, how come?”
Drama, music, dance and poetry with a little word of wisdom in between, were the order of the day.
Andile Nayika is an independent citizen journalist for Grocott’s Mail
