Performing arts has huge contribution to make in creating employment

Youth in Tembisa, as a way of fighting poverty and empowering young people with art skills, have established a drama society named Maseko Arts Society.

Solomon Maseko (27) and Wiseman Kgampe (34) are the initiators of the project. They describe themselves as having unsurpassed zeal to keep young people off the streets and away from the life of crime and drugs.

The duo believes performing arts has a huge contribution to make in creating employment and fighting poverty.

Maseko met his business partner, Kgampe, in 2007 where they were members of the Lindani Theatre Productions.

His involvement in arts stems back to his school days at Mikateko Primary School.

He said initially he wanted to be a writer, and that poetry was the closest choice he made when he got into the arts.

“I started out as a poetry performer but learnt about drama later on.

“I was introduced into the arts by my teacher, Bongane Tshabalala, whose dedication took us to Segarona School Arts Festival,” said Maseko.

After leaving Lindani Theatre Productions, Maseko and Kgampe separately set up productions for Gauteng Ishashalazi theatre and poetry festival.

Knowing each other’s strengths from previous productions, Kgampe suggested they combined their resources and knowledge to form one arts organisation.

Their mutual interest gave birth to Maseko Arts Society.

The partners have approached The Tembisan to publish their plea for financial assistance so that they can help young people to hone their skills in the performing arts.

“The role of arts in society is to enlighten people about social issues that are ignored by the community.

“We bring about change by giving skills to unemployed people so that they can come up with their own solutions,” the two artists said.

Parents and local businesses who are willing to assist can call the partners on 078 068 6426 or 074 047 2829.