Keeping the community entertained

An enthusiastic teacher at Nonhlevu Secondary School, Thokozani Mbuyisa, has formed a performing arts group called Mazibuye Roots of Africa.

The majority of the 25 strong group are school pupils from the townships of KwaDukuza, together performing music, dance, drama and poetry readings.

“We usually provide entertainment for municipal and private events,” said Mbuyisa.

Mbuyisa has a certificate of practical drama teaching from the Gauteng Organisation of Community Art and Culture and when he came to Nonhlevu Secondary from Sthengile Senior Secondary School in Durban, Clermont in 2013, he started teaching iscathamiya and indlamu (Zulu dance).

The pupils were soon taking part in inter school competitions. It was then that he came to recognise the wealth of talent at the schools in the area and decided to form the group.

“I saw the need for a place or organisation for the youth of KwaDukuza to share and show off their talents,” said Mbuyisa.

Members range in age from 12 to 25 and they practice at Nonhlevu Secondary School twice a week

Mbuyisa is satisfied with the progress they are making but said the biggest challenge they are facing is the problem of transport and a lack of uniforms.

“As our popularity grows we could be booking gigs every weekend, however we cannot go to all of them because we do not have transport to get to them and financially we are struggling,” said Mbuyisa.

He said the advantage of performing at municipal events is that they provided transport.

To book the group or to assist them in any way, you can contact Mbuyisa on 073 806 0192.