SEDIBENG.- The Creative Industries Marketing Stokvel continues to make a powerful impact through its flagship programme, the Sedibeng Dance and Vaal Theatre, which is rapidly becoming a vibrant hub of youth creativity, participation, and audience growth.

Following two successful instalments held on February 7 and 28, the Stokvel has drawn strong and diverse audiences who gathered in large numbers to experience a dynamic double bill of dance and theatre at each event.

Beyond strong attendance, what stands out most is the growing presence of children and young people — not only filling seats in the auditorium, but taking centre stage as performers, creators, and storytellers.

The presenting organisations, Ubambano Youth Organisation, Re Bua Puo Pha Entertainment, Invention Productions, and Blank Page Productions have all presented work that places young performers at the forefront.

These productions are not only showcasing talent — they are building and honing artistic skills, and giving young voices meaningful space to be heard by the relevant target market. Equally significant is the shift in audience composition. By bringing young people into both performance and spectatorship, the Stokvel is actively shaping future arts audiences while strengthening pathways for youth participation in the cultural economy.

“We are witnessing a convincing number of children and youth in the auditorium watching our shows, while at the same time seeing performances led by young people themselves,” said Mammatli Thakhuli-Nzuza, cofounder of CIMS. “This dual participation — on stage and in the audience — is exactly how we grow sustainable arts audiences and invest in the future of the creative sector.”

The Sedibeng Dance and Vaal Theatre Stokvel continues to demonstrate that intentional investment in youth participation does more than fill venues — it builds communities, develops talent pipelines, and secures the future of the performing arts.