By Malikhanye Mankayi and Sibabalwe Tame
Despite the stormy weather, Makhanda community members and parents filled the Joza Indoor Sports Centre on 8 May during Khutliso Daniels Secondary School’s second annual concert. The show, hosted by comedian Tsepiso Nzayo, included vocal performances from the Nathaniel Nyaluza Secondary School choir and guest performing artists, mezzo-soprano singer Liyabona Qutywa and baritone singer Khumbulani Ntabeni.
The concert’s purpose was to raise funds for children needing essentials like sanitary towels. More importantly, the show was held to encourage youth to avoid drugs and alcohol.
Nzayo motivated the learners by saying, “I want to say [that you must]not stop what [you]are doing, do not give up, know that you must work for your dream, and you stand and fight for your dream.”
The show’s special guest performer, Qutywa has achieved numerous accolades and merits as a mezzo-soprano. Her achievements include being the South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod (SASCE) provincial champion, coming in second position, and receiving a special merit award in the SASCE national championships. Qutywa’s other achievements include winning a Battle of Municipalities Mezzo-soprano championship award.
Another memorable performance was from Ntabeni, who has an exciting music background and won numerous Baritone soloist awards. Like Qutywa, he has also won merit awards in the SASCE. He has also received merit awards in the Tirisano School Music Eisteddfod competition and came in first position in the Eastern Cape Choral Music Association (ECCMA) Provincial Championship with Mozart’s Donna male fate aria from Opera Cosi fan Tutte. His other awards and achievements include those from the Rhodes University Choir championships and the Guild of Choral and Indigenous Music Practitioners in the Eastern Cape (GCIMPEC) provincial championships.
Speaking to Grocott’s Mail, some parents raised their views and highlights of the concert. One parent, Nomhle Fana, said such concerts help prevent children from getting into dangerous situations like substance abuse.
“This reminded me of the olden days,” said Fana, who expressed the pride she felt about her child, Iminathi Fana, participating in the concert.
“I support them a lot…what our children are doing is very nice and interesting,” said Wendy Plaatjie, a mother of a choir participant, Mikhanye Plaatjie. She added that the choir brings children together, and they come up with something magical.
Nzayo expressed pride in the support Makhandans gave to the staff and learners. “What they are doing for learners is wonderful so young kids do not think about other things. To me, it’s one reason that is taking me back home because now is the second year being Mc for their concert,” said Nzayo.
Qutywa expressed her joy in seeing the community coming together, demonstrating the spirit of Ubuntu. She added that she felt honoured to have been chosen to perform at the event, as she can also give back to the community. “Umntu ngumntu ngabantu,” she said.
“Seeing these young kids so dedicated to these kinds of projects makes me so happy to participate in this concert, not forgetting where I am coming from,” she added.
The concert ended on a powerful note as the crowd joined the choir in singing and dancing.
