An arts programme for vulnerable a great success
The programme started with the lighting of candles in commemoration of World Aids Day by Ms Nonhlanhla Mathias and Ms Leomile Mangoedi
An art programme organised by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture was a success according to the organisers and the participants. The event was held at the Witbank Prison on Friday, December 3.
Arts Access Programme is part of a broader campaign of ensuring arts access to all, in particular to marginalised and vulnerable groups in the society – juveniles, youth in conflict with the law, women and people with disabilities.
The programme also addresses the national imperatives such as social cohesion, nation-building, social justice and economic empowerment through social integration programmes.
The programme started with the lighting of candles in commemoration of World Aids Day by Ms Nonhlanhla Mathias and Ms Leomile Mangoedi.
Area Commissioner Reverend Mandla Sibanyoni thanked all the stakeholders who joined in making sure that the programme was a success.
He also thanked the organisers for choosing eMalahleni because such programmes are viewed to bring a change in the country.
“Such programmes will make a difference in the lives of many people. Arts teaches people to be disciplined, to always do better and perfect their skills, to give their best and excellence must be their second nature. With such learned skills, it will improve one’s life and will come as a form of rehabilitation. This will also help the community to accept offenders when they integrate with their society. Rest assured that you are doing the right thing by being involved in such programmes,” said Reverend Sibanyoni.
Mr Abbey Lekalakala from the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture giving an overview of the programme said that it is therapy, rehabilitation and empowerment to all involved in it.
The programme also offers participants a chance to display their skills on bigger platforms like the Mangaung Cultural Festival (Macufe), jazz festivals and other platforms.
“Some of the participants have come out of the programmes better-skilled after practising what they learned and in the future will offer services to their communities. Arts is second to gold because once one is skilled, their services are needed and that has been proven without a doubt. It is an income-generating industry with a lot of opportunities,” said Mr Lekalakala.
A beneficiary thanked the department saying that he now has the ‘key’ to success after being involved in the programme. Musical groups, as well as artists, displayed their artworks ranging from paintings, plastic mats and others.
One of the art pieces had images of Bishop Desmond Tutu and Helen Joseph showing freedom and an African village symbolising unity as well as humanity, and a power station showing freedom to economical sustainability.
Mr Pablo Lestapa, an art facilitator said the programme started on November 24 and the participants had three sessions per day.
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