From Thembisa to the stage: dancer Dan Makama’s story of passion and purpose

My name is Dan Patrick Makama, and I was born and raised in Ivory Park, Thembisa.

I’m a dancer with the Thembisa Red Devils Junior crew, and carry this township in every move I make.

One of my best memories is from July 29, 2023. That day, dancers from all over came together at the Kopanong Sports Ground for a huge celebration of talent.

ALSO READ: Lerato Lamola Winter Games reach semi-final stage as crowds and talent soar

The Thembisa Red Devils hosted the event, and the energy was electric. We poured our hearts out on that stage, and the crowd gave it right back. It wasn’t just a performance, it was a moment I’ll never forget.

What I love about Thembisa is how the people here support one another. When they see someone working hard, they rally behind you.

They want to see you win, not just for yourself, but for the future of the community.

When we’re not rehearsing or performing, my friends and I like to head to Bazz. We grab food, take pictures, chill, and connect. It’s a spot where we can breathe, laugh and be young.

ALSO READ: Blues players to watch: Rising talent set to shine at KES Festival

Everything changed for me in 2017 when I joined the Thembisa Red Devils. That was the moment I found my passion, purpose and people. Dancing became more than movement; it became a way of life.

But like any place, Thembisa has its struggles.

One of the biggest is electricity. There are frequent outages because of overloaded connections.

I believe the way forward is through honest, peaceful engagement with Eskom and the municipality. We need real solutions, not quick fixes.

There’s one person I’ll always honour, Baba Johannes Mkhonza, our late sponsor and chairperson. Even though he’s no longer with us, his legacy lives on.

He believed in us. He made sure we had what we needed, and he showed us that we mattered. May his soul continue to rest in peace.

ALSO READ: Krugersdorp High talent in the spotlight at Best of the West Festival

To me, Thembisa is more than just a township; it’s a home of art, a place of raw talent, and a land of heroes.

Here’s something many people don’t know about me: I’m a qualified civil engineer. I attended college, completed a two-year course and earned my certificate.

Even as I dance, I carry that part of me proudly. I believe in growth in every direction.

If I could bring one change to this community, it would be to build a fully functional community hall, a place that opens its doors daily to teach young people how to dance.

We have so much talent here. All we need is a space to nurture it, to keep the arts alive and thriving.

One leader who inspires us is Panyaza Lesufi. He always reminds us to push forward, that nothing is impossible if you believe and put in the work. His words keep me going: “We’ve come a long way, so don’t stop now.”

To me, home is where my heart feels safe, where I can be myself without fear. It’s where I’ve built strong connections, grown into the person I am today and dream of what’s still to come.

Thembisa is my home.

Where I dance, believe and belong.