Community halls, youth centres and arts facilities can play a vital role in helping young people develop their talents, stay away from harmful activities and explore opportunities in the creative economy.

Aspiring artists in Mayibuye, however, say the shortage of accessible spaces and resources is making it difficult for them to turn their passion into something meaningful.

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Four young creatives are hoping to change this through a gospel art group, an initiative founded by former Maphutha Secondary School learners Sixolise Mthambeka (20), Siyabonga ‘Magibela’ Zwane (20), Gift Velem (21) and Kamogelo Mokwele (21).

The group wants to create a platform where young people can develop their musical abilities, learn from one another and showcase their talent, but without musical equipment, performance uniforms, sponsorship and access to suitable venues, its founders said they need support to bring their vision to life.

The need for accessible community facilities comes amid high youth unemployment and concerns about the limited opportunities available to young people in townships. They said community halls and multipurpose centres can provide spaces for arts programmes, skills development and activities that help young people explore their interests and build networks.

In Mayibuye, the group said aspiring artists often have to travel to the Klipfontein multipurpose centre to nurture their talents because suitable facilities are not readily available in their community.

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“This choir will not only stick to gospel,” Zwane said. “We will also be singing clap and tap, a cappella and other styles because we want to start something that will be open to everyone musically.”

For Velem, music has already demonstrated its potential to change lives. He said joining the choir at Maphutha helped him move away from negative behaviour and discover a passion for the arts. Initially, he joined for social reasons but gradually developed a genuine love for music through friendships with fellow choir members.

“Back in high school, I was not passionate about music. I was a street fighter, a guy who bullied others at school, played dice and smoked marijuana,” he said. “I was going to join just for the girls, but when I got there, it was no longer about girls. It was becoming a passion.”

He believes more young people could discover their abilities if they had access to arts programmes and spaces where they could develop their interests.

“Because, as a child from the township, there are no goals and dreams because we already lack resources. There are no art centres or spaces where we can showcase our hobbies,” he said.

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He appealed to government and community stakeholders to invest in arts facilities and programmes, saying these could provide young people with constructive activities and help steer them away from substance abuse.

Mokwele said: “The choir started at school, but we did not have help, and we were younger. So, we left it for some years, and people would ask about the choir. That is why we decided to reopen it this time from a more mature point of view and, of course, seek assistance.”

City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero previously acknowledged that its vast network of social and recreational infrastructure in Region A is under an upgrading process, with some awaiting budget.

He said that upgrading existing infrastructure costs millions, that building from scratch would require more funds, and that these issues have to be addressed through integrated development planning processes, so that a budget can be sought and set aside for such projects.

Those interested in sponsoring the group or joining can phone 068 094 4817 or 081 208 5953.

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