By Asemahle Vumsindo
The Sakhuluntu Cultural Group, a long-standing community initiative in Ward 5, Extension 9, fights for survival as it seeks to provide young people with positive alternatives to drugs, alcohol, and crime.
Founded in 1998 by Vuyo Booi, Sakhuluntu was established on the belief that creative expression through traditional Xhosa dance, music, poetry, drama, and visual arts can help build confidence, self-esteem and a sense of belonging among young people in under-resourced communities.
“Most of the time, the youth of today don’t know where to turn or what to do. We are here to show them a sense of direction,” Booi said. The Group’s slogan, Ulutsha zinkokheli za ngomso, guides its work.
Challenges faced
Over the years, Sakhuluntu has inspired children to pursue careers in law, social work, and the police service. Its annual Heritage Day Youth Festival, held on 24 September has become a highlight in Makhanda’s cultural calendar, drawing local audiences.
But the organisation has faced serious challenges, particularly during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. Sakhuluntu currently has no stable funding, relies heavily on financial contributions, and struggles to attract volunteers.
The group has also experienced obstacles in accessing community facilities. In 2024, Booi said their planned annual event was blocked when the Extension 9 community hall was found locked, despite prior arrangements. “I felt humiliated. We had invited artists and people from very far places…The children were deeply disappointed”, he recalled. Booi believes current ward councillor, Gcobisa Mene, has shown little to no support for the initiative.
By contrast, he said the previous councillor (2010-2019) was consistently present and supportive of youth activities. Sakhuluntu hopes to revive its work fully with this year’s Heritage Day Festival, scheduled for 24 September in Extension 9.
After multiple attempts to contact councillor Mene for comment, she referred queries to Makana Municipality spokesperson Anele Mjekula, but neither of them responded in time for publication..
