The City of Ekurhuleni hosted a send-off party for the Via Katlehong Art Group that jetted off to Europe on June 12.

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The art group will be travelling Europe between June and August showcasing their artistic flair.

They will be doing a show called Via Injabulo.

The show was inspired by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The past two years were not easy for artists. Art is our work and the fact that we could not showcase anything meant making no money. We learned a lot from the lockdown experience and we are going to use it,” said co-director of the group Buru Mohlabane.

“We can perform again and that is exciting. This tour means light at the end of the tunnel and the show is all about such hope.”

The CoE Department of Sports Recreation Arts and Culture has been instrumental in affording Via Katlehong technical support and a space for rehearsals at the Dumisani Masilela Theatre in Germiston.

“The support we have given the group is the minimum we could do considering the limited financial resources we face as government.

“I must say that no amount of limited resources will deter us from ensuring that we continue supporting local talent and we wish this group the best of luck on their European tour,” said CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.

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The group is one of Katlehong’s oldest art establishments. It was established in 1992 by David Mahlabane.
The group aimed to get youngsters off the violent streets of Katlehong in the 90s.

One of the longstanding dancers and co-director of the group Buru Mohlabane said Vai Katlehong has afforded them amazing opportunities.

“I joined the group at a young age in 1996 and have been part of it ever since. The group has enjoyed successes. We are well-travelled because of the work we do. It has been 22 years of pure joy,” said Buru.

He said their work is appreciated abroad hence they have been getting bookings in Europe.

The group trains and develop young women and men who aspire to become professional dancers in African contemporary, modern, classical, and various dance styles. Also, their performances specialise in gumboot dance and pantsula.

The group has created successful collaborations with local and internationally acclaimed choreographers and on this show, they have worked with Portugal and French choreographers.

The group has been financially supported by Institut Français d’Afrique du Sud (IFAS) for the past 22 years.

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“We are grateful for the support IFAS has been giving us. France is like our second home,” said Buru.

He said with the support from the CoE he hopes that this will start a long working relationship.

“We plan to bring the show to Dumi Masilela in Germiston when we are done with our tour and we feel that this will be the start of many great projects in the arts.”