Siyonqoba keeps young people positive
Historical play educates people about South African history.
eMBALENHLE – Members from the Siyonqoba Performing Arts are young, talented and ambitious.
Despite their lack of financial support, their love of the arts keeps them going.
The group was founded by Mandla Sibia (28) and comprises more than 40 young people.
They meet for rehearsals at the Sasol Club in the afternoon on weekdays.
Mandla has written and directed a musical theatre play, The Book, that is based on the country’s historical events beginning from 1912 to the adoption of the National Development Plan in the recent years.
The play mentions several struggle icons from that time and combines fun, learning and music.
It won the South African National Community Theatre Association competition in Secunda last year.
Mandla said it is important for locals to know their past and how the freedom of the country was won.
He said their aim is to take young people away from drugs and alcohol to focus on their talents.
“We want to show that there are some positives in our generation,” said Mandla.
Contact 079 307 0744 or email siyonqobaperformingarts@gmail.com.
