Lerato Malinga provides a platform for Msukaligwa artists with her Arts Extravaganza Show

Ms Lerato Pearl Malinga wants to be a force to be reckoned with in the Msukaligwa arts and culture world.

Also read: Gugu Mabuza’s light shine bright in world of arts

They encouraged her to pursue acting, drama and poetry. She was the last born child of her parents, Ms Glory Mbokane and Mr Enoch Mokoena, who supported her in her endeavours.

Her love for literature drove her to write her first book, The Beginning of Change, which must still be published.

The writing of the book attracted the interest of her friends who partnered with her to develop a film that is based on the book.

Mr Sakhile Soko and Xolani Shongwe were instrumental in encouraging her to write a script for the film, in which she excelled.

“The excitement of doing a film in Ermelo lead me to further discover that there is a lot of talent in our town that is still undiscovered,” said Ms Malinga.

The trio decided to form the Beginning of Change Productuctions.

The company is now a registered non-profit organisation that specialises in all forms of the arts, namely stage plays, dance, music, poetry, creative writing, drawing and storytelling.

“We entered auditions at the Civic Centre that were hosted by the Department of Arts and Culture last year and our drama group came in first place,” said Ms Malinga.

Beginning of Change Productions is embarking on their first arts extravaganza that will be launched at the Ermelo Civic Centre on 1 May.

“We are working hand in hand with another group, Art Collaboration, and will be showcasing a show packed with lots of entertaining, intriguing and educational acts.”

The show will also have an open mic for other groups and individuals to perform in any genre.

This is only one of many shows that Ms Malinga’s company will present.

Her team also saw a gap in the night life of Ermelo and decided to create theatre nights during which people can watch live theatre at one of their many events.

Ms Malinga is a wife and mother and her job is never done while she continues to mentor Msukaligwa’s artists.

Her one wish though, is to publish her book and she is urgently looking for a publisher.

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