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Flatfoot Dance Company call for dancers to audition

Media Release

Flatfoot Dance Company call for dancers to audition

Flatfoot Dance Company the award winning African Contemporary dance company based in Durban will be holding auditions at Dance Studio 2 located in University of KwaZulu-Natal Howard College Campus on 7 December 2015 from 13h30.

Flatfoot is looking for one female dancer and one male dancer who would be interested in joining the company on a full-time professional contract (35 hours a week) as of Monday 18 January 2015. Those that are interested in auditioning need to be 20 years old minimum. The company have a full annual programme that includes performance season both in and out of South Africa, dance education and development programmes, and schools/university dance education work. “We work in a contemporary idiom based on Hawkins, Graham, Horton and Release Technique but the company also does a weekly ballet and Pilates/yoga class.” says Lliane Loots, Artistic Director of Flatfoot Dance Company.

To qualify for the auditions, the dancer has to have a minimum of two years full or part-time contemporary dance training and/or professional dance work. A proven dance/arts education and dance teaching experience, formal and non-formal educational/arts environments will be considered. Writing and administration skills in English and/or isiZulu, be computer literate and have a valid South African passport. A driver’s licence will be an added benefit.

Those that are interested and meet the minimum requirements have to call the company manager Clare on 082875 6065 and book a place at the audition. Pre-bookings are vital. Submit a curriculum vitae of no more than three pages and include a head shot. Email to flatfootdancecompany@gmail.com. Relevant terms and conditions apply.

For further information or inquiries contact Clare on 082875 6065 or email flatfootdancecompany@gmail.com.

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Flatfoot Dance Company presents the Third Annual Summer Dance School this December

Media Release

Flatfoot Dance Company presents the Third Annual Summer Dance School this December

Flatfoot Dance Company is opening its doors again for their annual Summer Dance School. The three day intensive programme will take place from 10 to 12 December 2015 at their studios based on the Howard College Campus of UKZN starting at 9.30am each day.

The Summer School is aimed at pushing technical dance skills in the contemporary idiom and allowing dancers (still training and professional) to work in an environment with skilled choreographers, teachers and workshop facilitators. The training will use FLATFOOT’s own ‘African Release Technique’ that is a confluence of Graham, Hawkins, Horton and the American Skinner Release Techniques. “This is a chance for dancers to have great fun, get fit and open themselves up to a life changing dance experience.” says Lliane Loots, Artistic Director of Flatfoot Dance Company. The school is open for ages 12 up-wards and all levels of ability. Certificates of participation will be issued at the end of the programme.

 There are two levels of participation in the programme: A full three day programme from 9.30am to 3pm which costs R500 per person and a three mornings only technique class from 9.30am to 11.15am is R300 per person.

For bookings contact Clare Craighead on 0828756065 or email Flatfootdancecompany@gmail.com to secure a spot.  Payment must be made by Monday 7th December 2015.

Spaces are limited hence early bookings are advised. For more information and the programme visit www.flatfootdancecompany.webs.com,  follow @flatfootdanceco on twitter and like our pageonwww.facebook.com/flatfootdancecompany/

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Action in Autism/SAPS invites members of the public to "Protection and Support for People with Autism" engagement

Media Release

Action in Autism/SAPS invites members of the public to “Protection and Support for People with Autism” engagement

Action in Autism, together with the South African Police Service are inviting members of the public to a meeting that will take place on Saturday 14 November 2015 from 2pm to 4pm at the St Augustine’s School Hall, John Zikhali Road (next to the Botanical Gardens). This will be a dialogue/engagement session on the Protection and Safety of People with Autism.

People with autism and related communication disorders are vulnerable to abuse, and to becoming victims of bullying and crime. An added danger is that, in an unpredictable situation in which autistic people have little control and high anxiety, a flight and fright response can result.  Many people with autism run away in a situation perceived as threatening or unpredictable.   This is especially dangerous when police are not skilled on how to support people with communication difficulties and can even be life threatening.

The South African Police Service has asked for input from disability organisations on their Disability Action Plan. Invited guest speaker Major Lekganyane who heads Disability Services in the SAPS National Office will address their next Support Group Meeting regarding provision of police services to people with autism. All who are concerned with the protection and safety of people with autism are welcome to attend.

For further information or to RSVP for this Support Group Meeting, please call 031 207 4858, or email info@actioninautism.org.za.

Action in Autism does not receive any funding from government, if you would like to support the organization through cash or kind or through volunteering your time, we would be most thankful. For more information about Action in Autism and the support to parents and families provided by the organisation, please call 031 207 4858 or email info@actioninautism.org.za.

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Further information:

Kirsten Miller

ACTION IN AUTISM

031 207 4858/083 7774468

info@actioninautism.org.za

REALNESS - An African Screenwriters Residency

REALNESS - An African Screenwriters Residency

CALL FOR ENTRY

Urucu Media, under the mentorship of Berlinale Talents, in partnership with Nirox, Durban FilmMart, Restless Talent Management, The French Institute in South Africa and Institute Français's Cinémas du Monde proudly presents REALNESS, a screenwriters residency for a new generation of African cinema.

From June to August 2016, 5 screenwriters will be invited to attend a seven-week residency to develop a new draft of their original feature screenplays. The aim of REALNESS is to provide the necessary time, space and support to help the continent's best emerging writing talents hone their unique cinematic vision.

Week 1 The residency will kick off on 16 June 2016 with an introductory week at Durban Filmmart, Africa's top co-production market. Residents will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in films, attend seminars and present their projects to industry professionals for feedback. Each resident will prepare a public presentation of their project at the end of the week.

Week 2-6 Residents will be transported to the Nirox artists residency inthe Cradle of Humankind, where they will spend six weeks working in a tranquil and nurturing living environment. During the first week, top international script consultants will conduct workshops and one-on-one sessions with the residents. Thereafter, residents will work at their own pace, with ongoing support in the form of workgroups with fellow writers, curated film screenings, producer-led case studies and discussions with visiting industry speakers. 

Week 7 In the final week, residents will have a debriefing and follow up Skype-sessions with their consultants. After leaving the residency, writers will be invited to submit a new draft of their screenplay by 30 September 2016. The most promising project to emerge from REALNESS will be invited and funded to participate in the prestigious La Fabrique des Cinémas du Monde in Cannes, 2017. 

REALNESS recognizes the real-life demands of most writers and that taking time to develop a screenplay is not always economically viable. To this end, residents will receive a stipend of R15 000 and all food and accommodation expenses will be covered for the duration of their stay. Please note that residents will be responsible for their own travel costs to and from the residency. We will assist in efforts to obtain sponsorship from country culture desks, embassies & other interested institutions.

While the residency will be conducted in English, REALNESS facilitators are also able to do the training in French and/or Portuguese if participants are from Francophone or Lusophone African countries.

 

SUBMISSIONS

Please note, the submission window is from 1 November 2015 - 31 January 2016 (or until 120 applications have been received, whichever comes first)

 

Applicants must submit ONE PDF dossier containing:

  • a motivation for wanting to participate in REALNESS (1 page) 
  • a synopsis of the proposed feature project (1 page)
  • a treatment of the proposed feature project (6 pages)
  • a draft of the screenplay 
  • a writer's note of intention (1 page)
  • a short biography (1 paragraph)
  • two links to samples of previously produced work, uploaded to vimeo. If selected, residents will be required to donate one copy of their previous work to the Nirox film library. 

 

The call is open to screenwriters from across the African continent and selection will be based on artistic merit. REALNESS will hold no legal claim over the work once the residency is completed.

All submitted material must be in English. A committee appointed by Urucu and their partners will read the project entries and conduct interviews with a shortlist of candidates early in March. The REALNESS selection will be announced at an event hosted by the pavilion Les Cinemas du Monde in Cannes, 2016.

Please submit dossiers to realness@urucumedia.com

http://www.urucumedia.com

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SABC's Uzalo Season 2 - Trainee Opportunities

Media Release

SABC’s Uzalo Season 2 - Trainee Opportunities

Stained Glass Productions which produces the daily telenovela, Uzalo, for SABC 1 is looking to train six young filmmakers during its second season of filming in KwaMashu, Durban. Ethekwini Municipality’s Durban Film Office responsible for development of the local film and television industry, in partnership with Stained Glass Productions, are introducing a Trainee Development Programme for the youth of Ethekwini Municipality in a number of areas of film-making.

Areas of training include:

Sound – training a “boom swinger” in the basics of sound mixing. (Suitable for someone who is interested in sound design and has an ear for music.)

Camera- training as  a camera assistant with exposure to camera operating, lighting and focus pulling, with a view to equipping the trainee to be a competent camera assistant.  (Suitable for someone who has the ability to pay attention to detail, a basic understanding of camera equipment and previous experience/ interest in photography).

Make-up and hair – training as a make-up and hair standby assistant to be able to do onset checks and touch ups required by actors and performers. This trainee will also be exposed to the basics of television make-up application, hair styling and basic special effects.

Art department - training as art department standby assistant. This trainee will be exposed to set dressing, prop management and production design. They will become competent in seeing to all the onset art department needs; making sure artists have appropriate props handy and that the set is dressed to the directors satisfaction.  (Applicants must have an Interest in art, painting, carpentry, fine arts, graffiti and graphic design).

Production – training as a production assistant. This trainee will be given an opportunity to help with the running of the production and the production office, from making sure scripts, memos and documents are printed and distributed effectively, to getting exposed to the more high level functions such as scheduling, call sheets and movement orders.  (Applicants must have computer skills, an ability to pay attention to detail and good administrative skills).

Wardrobe - training as a wardrobe standby assistant who will be competent in all the onset checks and adjustments needed for artists and their wardrobe needs.  (Applicants must have an eye for design and training in dress making, costume design/ construction, interest in fashion and styling would be an advantage).

Preference will be given to trainees who have some basic knowledge of film-making, or who have demonstrated an interest in choosing film as a career. Whilst all of the training is on the job and hands on, the production house will be testing the trainees’ development in their respective basic functions every two months and these will be used to further tailor the learning and training.

“We have committed to supporting the production of the highly successful TV show, Uzalo, as part of the overall endeavor to grow Durban as a film city.” Say Deputy Mayor of the eThekwini Municipality, Cllr Nomvuso Shabalala. “As we have seen in other growth areas of film, a vital part of the development of the industry is to ensure that we have sufficiently trained people on the ground to support the needs of the production houses that aim to establish themselves here or that will be producing within the city on location. We are really pleased to be able to offer six young Durban candidates an opportunity to learn with a team on such a successful formula, and look forward to seeing the results of this process.”

How to apply:

Submit your CV and a covering motivation letter to:

Mr Fezile Peko, DFO Project Manager

 

Email  Fezile.Peko@durban.gov.za.Fezile Peko

Deliver:  11th Floor Rennies House, 41 Margaret Mncadi Av., Durban

For more information about how to apply contact Mr Fezile Peko on 031 3114243 or email Fezile.Peko@durban.gov.za.Fezile Peko

The deadline for applications is 13 November 2015 at 12pm.

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African Art Centre Christmas Exhibition

Media Release 

African Art Centre Christmas Exhibition

The much-anticipated annual Christmas Exhibition showcasing the handmade beadwork, embroidery, telephone wire, clay and wood decorations of the African Art Centre opens on Thursday 29 October. 

This exhibition fulfils the Centre’s mission to facilitate innovative products through creative skills development initiatives which enable local crafters to generate sustainable income through their art. The African Art Centre development projects enhance the existing skills of crafters residing in urban, peri-urban and rural KwaZulu Natal communities, and bring to public attention the wares of new emerging talent.  This year the Centre presents exciting new work by young creatives currently being trained through the African Art Centre’s outreach Velobala Jewellery Design classes.  Weaving in telephone wire for the first time, Wonder Msane, Phumlani Mbhele and Phumlani Madela have produced a range of ornaments in the formation of stars, hearts and angels executed in specified colour combinations.

“We are thrilled to see young people absorb new skills so creatively!,” says assistant director, Nozipho Zulu.

The telephone wire decorations will be available alongside the beaded, embroidered and wood decorations produced by well-known African Art Centre crafters; Happiness Dladla, Dumsile Mathe, Thokozane Mathe, Agnes Mthembu, Mavis Jali, Augnatia Khanyile, Tholani Mchunu, Hlengiwe Mbhele, Mbaliyethu Mabuza, Ntokozo Mseleku, Mbaliyethu Mabuza and Sbusiso Maphumulo.  A wide range of products have resulted through a series of workshops facilitated by Leonie Malherbe, Busi Shinga and Nozipho Zulu. 

Hit the beach with African style

A novel feature at this year’s exhibition are uniquely African-designed beach towels, the result of a partnership between Mr Price Home and four African Art Centre artists,  Sibusiso Duma, Nonotobeko Jilajila, Mbali Mabuza and Timothy Mlambo.  The beach towels represent the varied skills of the artists; Timothy is the wood carver and creates wonderful mythical creatures, Sibusiso produces intricate paintings done in the pointillism style, Nonotobeko creates wonderful lino cut prints and Mbali is a deft hand at applique embroidery.

Early this year Mr Price Home hosted a workshop with the artists and a Mr Price Home designer. The artists produced their artworks which were adapted by the designer to suit the manufacturing restrictions of towel weaving.  

“Championing great design is important to us; it is who we are and what we do at MRP Home. This Colab under the auspices of our “Design doing Good’ program, will see a portion of the proceeds from the sale of every beach towel, being donated back to the African Art Centre in order to facilitate emerging artist development,” says Mr Price Home Merchandise Director, Yanni Vosloo.

This new range will be in Mr Price Home stores from the 12 November.


Music by Madala Kunene

Whether you seek affordable handmade Christmas decorations such as angels, stars, hearts, tea lights with African character, or other traditional and contemporary African art, usher in the Christmas season in African style at the African Art Centre for the opening of the Christmas Exhibition on Thursday 29 October at 17:30. The exhibition will be opened by a special performance by local icon Madala Kunene with his unique blend of jazz and Nguni folk blues.  The exhibition closes on the 24th December.

 

For additional information, please contact the African Art Centre on 031 303 4634, or visit at 94 Florida Road, Morningside.

 

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Donation from Journey Foundation for Action in Autism

Media Release

Donation from Journey Foundation for Action in Autism

Dr Adam Mohamed of the Journey Foundation is a dentist and author who lives in Durban. Action in Autism welcomed Dr Mohamed to the Action in Autism Early Intervention Centre in October, where he donated R29 498 to the organisation through his Foundation.

The impact of this donation is far-reaching, and will ensure all costs incurred by the recent Skills Transference Workshop held by Action in Autism on 16 and 17 October are covered. This workshop is held bi-annually to empower parents, educators and professionals through the transfer of skills and knowledge and hands-on, practical experience. The presenter team includes a speech therapist, an occupational therapist, two psychologists, a specialist in alternative and augmented communication systems, a parent, and a person with autism. Dr Mohamed demonstrated his commitment to autism by attending part of the workshop during the first day’s programme.

Action in Autism does not receive any funding from government, if you would like to support the organization through cash or kind or through volunteering your time, we would be most thankful. For more information about Action in Autism and the support to parents and families provided by the organisation, please call 031 207 4858 or email info@actioninautism.org.za.

Ends.

Further information:

Kirsten Miller

ACTION IN AUTISM

031 207 4858

info@actioninautism.org.za

Two poets, some slam, and a whole bunch of other important stuff

Media Release

I to I

Two poets, some slam, and a whole bunch of other important stuff

Square Space Theatre, UKZN - 29 October – 1 November 2015

Two international artists come together on stage in an original and explosive Spoken Word theatre piece entitled ! to I at the Square Space Theatre from 29 October to November 1.

Iain EWOK Robinson (SA) is everything that Kat Francois (UK) is not.  He is the White African European Man to her Black European African Woman.  Together they tackle issues of ancestry and identity using the humour, passion and energy of their unique styles of writing and performing poetry.  Whether talking to themselves, each other or the audience, these two veterans of the SLAM and the stage are fully engaged in carving out a new space for race to identify itself, using cutting humour and sharp tongues. 

Kat Francois is a comedienne, poet, playwright, actress, performer, host, schools and youth facilitator. She was the first person to win a televised poetry slam competition in the UK, winning the BBC3 TV Slam holds the 2005 title for the World Slam Champion in Rotterdam. She is resident poet at Theatre Royal, Stratford East, London, where she hosts and organises a monthly poetry and music night called Word4Word.

EWOK needs no introduction to SA audiences, with a body of work that includes five Spoken Word theatre shows, two poetry anthologies and numerous recorded works. This self-styled "Spoken Word flavoured Hip Hop activist" began his career as a freestyle battle rap and Poetry Slam champion.  He is an award winning actor and an educator.  His latest show "YOBO" premiered on the Main program at this years Standard Bank National Arts Festival.

Respected artist and film-maker Karen Melissa Logan who directs the ensemble piece, is also tasked with the creating the multi-faceted layering of audio and visual, establishing a mixed-media canvas that blends the body of the performer with the audio-visual elements, and synthesizing the score with what’s spoken on stage. The work also makes use of photography by UK-based Robert Covell.

“I have been interested for some time in what part I could best play in international Black History Month and where I fit into the story that is being told.” explains Robinson, “This personal journey has in many ways been sparked by the impassioned #RhodesMustFall movement and other similar campaigns where young black South Africans are owning their history. The more I read, the more I challenge my own concept of history, the more I try to rethink these stories, and the more I come to realise how bizarre the whole notion of history is. So this piece for me is about confronting my own understanding of history, face to face with someone as strong as Kat whose version would be quite different from mine. We are interested to see how we collectively get to reformat, or recalibrate the stories for future generations – and we hope that as we unpack and challenge each other that we will be able to laugh at ourselves as we do so.”

Kat Francois, who recently participated in the 19th Poetry Africa Festival in Durban, met Ewok at the 2005 Poetry International World Slampionship in Rotterdam, where she took the title.  She says "Iain is an artist I respect.  He is willing to pose questions and explore racial divisions.  Challenging his perceptions of race will be an exciting and necessary process."

Produced by Amehlo Productions, I to I is supported by the SA-UK Seasons 2014 & 2015, a partnership between the Department of Arts and Culture, South Africa and the British Council.

I to I runs for 60 minutes at the Square Space Theatre, UKZN, from Thursday 29 October to Sunday 1 November (Thursday/Friday evening performances 7pm; Saturday/Sunday matinee performances 3pm). Tickets are R50 or R30 for student/block-bookings (over 10) and can be purchased at the door.

For more info contact Karen at karen@amehlovideo.com or 074 102 1371.

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Photo credit: Sloetry Photography

Kat Francois (UK) and Iain EWOK Robinson (SA)

Call for Projects for 2016 Durban FilmMart

Media Release

Call for Projects for 2016 Durban FilmMart

The Durban FilmMart (DFM) has opened submissions for projects for the 7thedition, which will take place next year.  It is important to note, that the deadline for submissions has been being shifted earlier to December 14, 2015 to allow for the selection committee to have more time to assess projects, and for more time to create opportunities for marketing and promotion of the projects and film-makers at the DFM.

A joint project of Durban Film Office, the eThekwini Municipality’s industry development unit, and the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), the DFM aims to raise the visibility of African cinema, stimulate production on the continent, and facilitate project collaboration between African filmmakers.

The DFM has become an integral part of the fast-growing South African film industry and since its inception in 2010, has helped facilitate more than 90 African co-production projects, many of which have subsequently been produced as acclaimed films.

Selected DFM projects will undergo a two-day packaging and mentoring programme followed by two days of one-on-one meetings with a panel of film financiers, buyers and distributors.

The programme is open to full length feature and documentary films with Africans in key creative roles (writers, directors and producers) that are looking for co-producers, financiers, sales agents and funders. A selection committee will review all submissions for consideration, and will select 10 fiction feature and 10 documentary feature projects that are in development to participate. African filmmakers, from writers to directors, are encouraged to submit their projects by 14 December 2015.

“We would like to encourage African film-makers to take advantage of the opportunity to submit their projects to the DFM, as we have seen how valuable the programme is to helping filmmakers get their projects off the ground.” says Durban Film Office’s Toni Monty. “The networking with film-makers from around the globe at the DFM also provides opportunities for film-makers to grow their networks further afield. Over the years we have seen many alumnis secure further funding grants for their films, and their works screened at film festivals around the world. It is really a great springboard for developing projects.”

Film-makers must note that it is important that all projects must have both a producer and director attached to them.

To find out more about the DFM 2016, project submission criteria and how to submit your project, please visit www.durbanfilmmart.com

For further enquires contact: info@durbanfilmmart.com or call   +27 31 311 4243

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3934 - Cannes-born script-writer expert Sari Turgeman gives a masterclass at the DFM 2015.

3962 - Film-maker Mohammed Siam pitching his film Amal to the panel at the 2015 DFM.



8 Morrison Street Book Launches and Open Mic

8 Morrison Street Book Launches and Open Mic

Poetry Africa festival staples, Book Launches as well as the Open Mic will be held on the 17th October (Saturday) at 8 Morrison Street. This is a free event for all wishing to attend.

Four books will be launched, with the opportunity for all willing participants to sign up for the open mic which will run for half an hour after every book launch.

The books that will be launched are:

12:00 – 12:30 Home is where the Mic Is (Botsotso) co-edited by Allan Horwitz and Mandi Vundla. It features 24 poets, in and outside of South Africa, who have served the poetry community well beyond their words. These are Critical Thinkers, Authors, Event Organizers and Activists who utilize their poems as a voice for social commentary relative to the struggles of our time

13:00 – 13:30 The Spoken Word Project (Goethe-Institut, South Africa) This book documents the spoken word scenes in South Africa, Madagascar, Cameroon, Mali, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire and Uganda, where The Spoken Word Project, initiated by the Goethe-Institut in 2013, took place. The authors provide fascinating insight into the old tradition of story-telling and oral history, which during The Spoken Project, was taken up by a young generation of poets and transformed in a powerful new way.

14:00 – 14:30 Piggy Boy’s Blue (Nakhane Touré) a novel set mostly in the Eastern Cape, a distorted pastoral. It is a story about a city boy returning to the town in which he was born for peace and quiet, but in return, receives the opposite.

15:00 – 15:30 Sol Plaatje European Union Poetry Anthology Vol.V (Jacana Media) This is the fifth annual Sol Plaatje European Union Poetry Anthology, and is a compendium of the poems long-listed for the 2015 Sol Plaatje EU Poetry Award. Every year South African poets, young and old, debut or previously published, are invited to submit up to three of their poetic efforts to the award, in any of the country’s 11 official languages. The anthology seeks to publish voices in as many difference languages as possible, and be one of the spaces in which these tongues are given equal space and respect.

Tickets for the festival finale at Rivertown cost R70 (pre-sale or R80 at the door) and can be purchased fromwww.computicket.com

For more information go to www.cca.ukzn.ac.za or like the Facebook page PoetryAfrica or follow on Twitter @PoetryAfrica. 

Presented by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) and made possible by support from the eThekwini Municipality, KZN Department of Arts and Culture, National Arts Council and the Goethe Institute. The Centre for Creative Arts is housed in the College of Humanities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and is a special project of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cheryl Potgieter. 

 

GENERAL ENQUIRIES: 
Phone: +27 (0)31 260 2506
Fax: +27 (0)31 260 3074 
Email:  cca@ukzn.ac.za

Poetry Africa Theatre Showcase this Saturday at DUT

Media Releas

Poetry Africa Theatre Showcase this Saturday

Poetry Africa in partnership with the DUT drama department presents a theatre showcase onSaturday 17 October at the DUT Courtyard Theatre from 11:00 – 15:00.

The 6 day long festival (12 – 17 October) presents two productions that demonstrate the power of the spoken word through both current and previous participants of the festival in thought provoking and stimulating poetry based and dialogue driven productions.

The first showpiece is entitled Raising Lazarus, by the UK poet Kat François. Raising Lazaruswas first developed in 2009 with the Theatre Royal Stratford East, London as part of their yearlong Spoke-Lab series, under the direction of Dawn Reid whose credits include, The Harder They Come, Funny Black Women on the Edge, Family Man, and Clockwork Orange.

The second theatrical piece is a local production entitled Aiden’s Rose. Aiden’s Rose is written by Thuli Zuma and features Page Ngwenya and Kwazi Ndlangisa. This poetry-in-performance play explores young men’s passionate, confused and even self-destructive response to love.

These two productions are open to the public and are free of charge.

For more information go to www.cca.ukzn.ac.za or like the Facebook page PoetryAfrica or follow on Twitter @PoetryAfrica. 

Presented by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) and made possible by support from the eThekwini Municipality, KZN Department of Arts and Culture, National Arts Council and the Goethe Institute. The Centre for Creative Arts is housed in the College of Humanities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and is a special project of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cheryl Potgieter. 

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[see attached file: 1. Kat Francois.lr.jpg] [see attached file: 1. Kwazi Ndlangisa lr.jpg]

GENERAL ENQUIRIES: 
Phone: +27 (0)31 260 2506
Fax: +27 (0)31 260 3074 
Email:  cca@ukzn.ac.za

Sol Plaatje European Union Poetry Award

Media Release

Sol Plaatje European Union Poetry Award

The annual award, supported by the European Union, is now in its fifth year. Named after Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje (1876– 1932), it recognises the life and vision of this highly respected political and social activist. As in previous years, Volume V of the series will anthologise the three shortlisted poems along with some 60 other poems on the longlist, which are written in an assortment of South African languages, including English, Afrikaans, Sepedi, Sesotho, Xitsonga and isiZulu.

The longlisted poets to be included in the 2015 Sol Plaatje EU Poetry Anthology were: Jim Pascual Agustin; Karin Andersen; Carel Aäron Anthonissen; Caroline F. Archer; Saaleha Idrees Bamjee; Fadwah Booley; Steven Bresler; Sindiswa Busuku- Mathese; Arthur Benjamin Cloete; Eckhard Cloete; Leonard Entienne Cloete; Margaret Clough; Christine M Coates; Corné Coetzee; Genna Gardini; Sunelle Geyer; Shawn Greyling; Kerry Hammerton; Suenel Holloway; Morwamphaka Maisela Sello Huma; Musawenkosi Khanyile; Lara Kirsten; Thandanani Christopher Mabaso; Katise Mawela; Mokoena Mlondolozi; Thabiso Michael Mofokeng; Tsietsi Mokhele; Che Kgahliso Moshesh; Moses Mtileni; Madoda Ndlakuse; Pamela Newham; Mzu Nhlabatsi; Sizakele Nkosi; Zukisani Nongogo; Lazola Pambo; Francine Simon; Annette Snyckers; David C Steyn; Gisela Ullyatt; Athol Williams; Sue Woodward and Frank Wright.

The hard work undertaken by this jury behind the scenes to select 63 poems out of the 472 entries received was imperative to the creation of a well-curated anthology.

The longlist was compiled by a jury of three distinguished South African poets: Johann de Lange, Goodenough Mashego and Joan Metelerkamp.

From the longlist of poems selected by a jury of distinguished South African poets, senior judge Dr. Mongane Wally Serote, winner of the prestigious Golden Wreath Award, has selected the three finalists for this year’s Sol Plaatje European Union Poetry Award.

In no particular order, the three shortlisted poems are:

• Jim Pascual Agustin, for Baleka, What do You Know of Tenders and Thieves? Or Cockroaches for that Matter?

• Sindiswa Busuku-Mathese, for A Portrait of a Mother and Indiscretion

• Athol Williams, for Streetclass Diseases 

The winners will all receive cash prizes.

How these poems have been placed, and the overall winner, will be announced at an event hosted by Poetry Africa at 18:00 on 17 October 2015 at Rivertown Beerhall. The anthology will be launched at earlier on the 17 October at 15:00 at 8 Morrison Street.

Tickets for the festival finale at Rivertown cost R70 (pre-sale or R80 at the door) and can be purchased from www.computicket.com

For more information go to www.cca.ukzn.ac.za or like the Facebook page PoetryAfrica or follow on Twitter @PoetryAfrica.

Presented by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) and made possible by support from the eThekwini Municipality, KZN Department of Arts and Culture, National Arts Council and the Goethe Institute. The Centre for Creative Arts is housed in the College of Humanities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and is a special project of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cheryl Potgieter. 

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GENERAL ENQUIRIES: 
Phone: +27 (0)31 260 2506
Fax: +27 (0)31 260 3074 
Email:  cca@ukzn.ac.za

 

19th Poetry Africa Workshops at Rivertown Beerhall

Media Release

19th Poetry Africa Workshops at Rivertown Beerhall

The 19th Poetry Africa Festival will be offering 3 insightful workshops which will be taking place on the 17th October at the Beerhall gallery from 10: 00 to 13:00. The workshops form part of a teeming line up of festivities to finalise the weeklong festival which begins on Monday, October 12.

The workshops include: Advancing Poetry through Events - Organisers of  Poetry events in Durban and South Africa (Thabiso Mohare, Vus’umuzi Phakathi and Mxolisi Mtshali) will be speaking about the impact of a growing literary society, Making Durban a liveable City – Through Arts Development -Representatives from the eThekwini Parks and Recreation (Themba Mchunu) and National Arts Council (Andrew Nkadimeng) will host a session promoting available  programs for the development and preservation of literature in KwaZulu Natal and Finding your Voice - Poetry Africa participants (Mthunzikazi Mbungwana, Nii Parkes and Aryan Kaganof) facilitate a session on finding your creative voice.

All workshops are free and open to the public.

Tickets for the festival finale at Rivertown cost R70 (pre-sale or R80 at the door) and can be purchased from www.computicket.com

For more information go to www.cca.ukzn.ac.za or like the Facebook page PoetryAfrica or follow on Twitter @PoetryAfrica. 

Presented by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) and made possible by support from the eThekwini Municipality, KZN Department of Arts and Culture, National Arts Council and the Goethe Institute. The Centre for Creative Arts is housed in the College of Humanities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and is a special project of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cheryl Potgieter. 

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GENERAL ENQUIRIES: 
Phone: +27 (0)31 260 2506
Fax: +27 (0)31 260 3074 
Email:  cca@ukzn.ac.za

 

[see attached file: 1. Nii Parkes lr.jpeg] [see attached file: 1. Aryan Kaganof.jpeg] 


Poetry Africa 2015 Finale with Nakhane Toure

 

Poetry Africa 2015 Finale with Nakhane Toure

The 19th Poetry Africa international poetry festival, which begins next week on Monday, (October 12) will close next Saturday (October 17) with a festival finale with Nakhane Toure at the Rivertown Beerhall.

The programme begins at 4pm with the annual Poetry Africa Durban Slam Jam event where Durban slam poets will compete for the title of Poetry Africa Slam Jam champion.

Running for over a decade, the Poetry Africa Durban Slam Jam remains one of the festival’s highlights, providing the audience with a rush of rhythm and rhyme from both Durban and abroad. The Slam Jam participants for 2015 are: Sfundo Sibisi, Kgune Dlamini, Zethembile Nkabinde and Andile Nyembezi. 

DJ Rawkidd Mpangase will be in the house and there will also be performances by Many Moore and Lu Dlamini prior to the final performances from all the 19th Poetry Africa participants:

Africa Dlamini(South Africa), Aryan Kaganof (South Africa), Celiswa Majali (South Africa), Icebound Makhele (South Africa), Kat Francois (United Kingdom), Khanyi Shusha (South Africa), Kwazi Ndlangisa (South Africa), Lebo Mashile (South Africa), Lebohang ‘Nova’ Masango (South Africa), Lesego Rampolokeng (South Africa), Makhosazana Xaba (South Africa), Matt Vend (South Africa), Mbali Vilakazi (South Africa), Mthunzikazi Mbungwana (South Africa), Mutle Mothibe (South Africa), Nii Parkes (United Kingdom/ Ghana), Nokulunga Dladla (South Africa), Nosipho Magcaba (South Africa), Ntsiki Mazwai (South Africa), Thabiso Mohare (South Africa), Thando Fuze (South Africa), Tshebeletso Mohale (South Africa), Vonani Bila (South Africa), Vus'umuzi Phakathi (South Africa).

The programme concludes with a performance from award winning Johannesburg based artist Nakhane Touré.  His debut music video for the single, Fog was nominated for a Design Indaba ‘Most Beautiful Object’ award. And at the 2014 MTV Music Awards he received a Best Alternative nomination. His album Brave Confusion was nominated for four SAMAS at the 20th SAMA awards and went on to win the Best Alternative Album. Touré’s debut novel Piggy Boy’s Blue will be launched at 14:00 at 8 Morrison Street on 17 October.

Tickets for the festival finale at Rivertown cost R70 (pre-sale or R80 at the door) and can be purchased from www.computicket.com.

For more information go to www.cca.ukzn.ac.za or like the Facebook page PoetryAfrica or follow on Twitter @PoetryAfrica. 

Presented by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) and made possible by support from the eThekwini Municipality, KZN Department of Arts and Culture, National Arts Council and the Goethe Institute. The Centre for Creative Arts is housed in the College of Humanities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and is a special project of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cheryl Potgieter.

Poetry Africa Durban Poets

Poetry Africa Durban Poets

The Centre for Creative Arts (UKZN) is very proud to note that the 19th edition of Poetry Africa will feature 9 homegrown Durban poets in this year’s 24 strong lineup.

The Durban participants are: 

Africa Dlamini, Celiswa Majali, Khanyi Shusha, Kwazi Ndlangisa, Matt Vend, Nokulunga Dladla, Nosipho Magcaba, Thando Fuze, Tshebeletso Mohale.

“We are very proud that the city of Durban has produced 9 poets in this 19th edition of Poetry Africa, almost half of this year’s programme. This is truly a testament to our city’s tremendous talent and artistic integrity as well as to the city's developmental programmes focused toward poetry, literature and the arts.” - Guy Redman, Head of Department: Libraries, Heritage, Arts & Culture, eThekwini Municipality.

The Centre for Creative Arts is proud to welcome back to the Poetry Africa stage four previous prelude poets; Khanyi Shusha, Kwazi Ndlangisa, Nosipho Magcaba and Tshebeletso Mophale. 

The annual Prelude Poets programme calls out to the Durban’s creative and undiscovered poets to take part in the festival, the entrants are given the opportunity to audition before a panel of judges and once selected, take to the main stage to showcase their hidden talents to audiences at the country’s premier poetry festival at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre each night to perform as a prelude to the main programme.

The Poetry Africa festival, now in its 19th edition, takes place from 12 to 17 October 2014. The festival brings together some of the world’s finest poets and musicians to Durban, with artists from the African continent and beyond.

For more information on our 2015 Poetry Africa festival participants please visit www.cca.ukzn.ac.za.

Organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (University KwaZulu-Natal), the 18th Poetry Africa is funded by the City of Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture. The Centre for Creative Arts is housed in the College of Humanities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and is a special project of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cheryl Potgieter. 

GENERAL ENQUIRIES: 
Phone: +27 (0)31 260 2506/1867
Fax: +27 (0)31 260 3074 
Email:   cca@ukzn.ac.za 

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[see attached file: Khanyi Shusha 05.jpg] [see attached file: Matt Vend 07.JPG] [see attached file: Kwazi Ndlangisa lr 01.jpg] [see attached file: Nosipho Magcaba 02.jpg] [see attached file: Nokulunga Dladla 02.JPG]

Midlands Cyclists doing it for MS at Amashova

Midlands Cyclists doing it for MS at Amashova

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society website, Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body.  

Hilton resident Pete Sinclair explained to the group of cyclists clad in orange that in South Africa there are 3 500 cases of MS. Whereas In Canada there 53 000. There is a very large population of Indian patients globally affected by MS.  In Canada major MS Awareness campaigns take place all of the time.

Sinclair’s son Oliver was diagnosed with MS in 2004 and according to his blog, he hoped for another 8 good years.  Things are possibly more hopeful though as he undergoes a new treatment at the moment involving Chemotherapy and stem cell harvesting to “reboot” his immune system, and hopefully put an end to the MS “attacks”.  

At the time of going to press Oliver’s stem cells have been successfully harvested and he awaits further procedure in October. In his blog he explains why he took the “risk” of this new treatment “So why Chemo? Well, it offers me the chance of living out the rest of my life free from any further MS Attacks. I may still have all the symptoms I currently have, there may be slight improvements but even if I just stay the same I will be able to walk to the edge of the field and watch my son play sport. I will be able to hold my new baby in my arms. Living life not knowing if you are going to wake up tomorrow being able to walk, talk, see or hold in your pee is not a pleasant way to live and so if there was a chance that you could change that wouldn’t you?”  Follow his journey on https://mtugudzi.wordpress.com/2015/08/25/why-chemotherapy/

This leads us back to the subject of the cyclists in orange!  Oliver’s wife Michelle is coordinating the MS Awareness in the Charity batch of the 35km Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic in order to raise funds, but more than that, to create an awareness of the condition by doing the race (the downhill section into Durban) along with the thousands of competitive cyclists.  

Coordinated by Hilton business owner Cornelia Puler, the group of Midlands cyclists are very happy to be having some fun together, raising some funds, and getting people to take note of MS!  Look out for them on the road on the 18th of October.  You will NOT miss them!   

Should you wish to contribute in some way to the MS cause contact Michelle on 082 8706 144 (cell) or email her on michelle@polarairkzn.co.za

 

To meet Oliver Sinclair on facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/oliver.sinclair.5680

 

To find out more about Multiple Sclerosis go to:  http://www.multiplesclerosis.co.za 

 

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Durban film-makers' project selected for Sorfond Pitching Forum in Oslo, Norway

Media Release

Durban film-makers’ project selected for Sørfond Pitching Forum in Oslo, Norway

Hhola Hhola, a film which was a feature project at the inaugural Durban FilmMart (DFM) in 2010, has been selected for the prestigious Sørfond Pitching Forum in Oslo, Norway this year.

Produced by Julie Frederikse and directed by Madoda Ncayiyana of Vuleka Productions, based in KwaMashu in Durban, this is one of only 8 projects selected out of 130 applications from all over the world.

The Sørfond Pitching Forum, hosted by the Sørfond Norwegian South Film Fund, which has as its mission to fund films from developing countries, is held from 14 October during the Films from the South Festival in Oslo.

The aim of the Sørfond Pitching Forum is to give international producers the opportunity to present their projects to potential Norwegian co-producers, with the aim to enter into a co-production agreement and apply for support from Sørfond in March 2016. 

Directed by Ncayiyana and produced by Julie Frederikse, Hhola Hhola is a story about dreams, ambitions and standing for what you believe in. “The new film is a relevant and poignant story of a young boy who dreams of being a celebrity and gets mixed up with a conman in an effort to free his mother from jail.” explains Frederikse. “What is also eye-catching about the film is the setting that is not often seen in African films. It is not poor and dusty Africa, with children holding a begging bowl, at least figuratively. Hhola Hhola is about tech-savvy urban Durban people, especially youth, who don’t have computers but run their social and economic lives on their cellphones. It is also about the notion of celebrity that young people are so taken with all over the world; the main character’s journey is to get past superficial ideas of winning fame and fortune so as to believe in himself and express what is really inside him. The film also delves into contemporary culture and identity, depicting the relevance and importance of it these factors,” she says.

“This is an significant opportunity for the film, and for Madoda to make his second feature film, to follow up Izulu Lami,” says Frederikse, “Approximately 1.6 million Euro will be granted for production support from 2015 to 2018 through an international cooperation between the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Norwegian Ministry of Culture, with the Norwegian Film Institute and the Films from the South Foundation jointly in charge of the administration of the fund. Sørfond grants up to 130,000 Euro per film.”

The feature was first presented at the Durban FilmMart five years ago, when it was in its early development, then entitled Mobile Muti. Since then the film has received development funding from the National Film and Video Foundation in South Africa, the Durban Film Office and the KwaZulu Natal Film Commission. Additional support for a top international script doctor came jointly from Produire au Sud of Nantes, France and the Durban Film Office and International Relations Office of the eThekwini Municipality. As co-writers of the script, Ncayiyana and Frederikse worked with Argentinian-French-English script doctor Miguel Machalski, whose recent credits include acting as script consultant as part of Binger Filmlab on La Tierra y la Sombra by Colombian director Cesar Augusto Acevedo’s debut feature, which won the Camera D’Or and two other awards at Cannes 2015. 

Ncayiyana’s award-winning debut feature film Izulu lami was also co-produced by Vuleka Productions and opened the 30th annual Durban International Film Festival in 2009. A co-founder of Vuleka, he was awarded the KwaZulu Natal Film Commission’s Simon “Mabhunu” Sabelo Award for Directing in 2014 and the eThekwini Mayor’s Achievement Award for his work in South African and international film, TV and theatre, and his contribution to Durban’s cultural scene.  

Julie Frederikse has experience in producing feature film, short film and television programming, and is also director of Vuleka Productions, co-founded in 1993. She has developed and co-written Ncayiyana’s second feature film, Hhola Hhola, and will produce it together with top African film producer Anant Singh’s Videovision Entertainment (Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom).

Says Sanjeev Singh, Videovision Entertainment’s director of Acquisition and Distribution, “We have been tracking the film through its evolution from Mobile Muti to Hhola Hhola in its present form. Madoda brings a gritty sensitivity to the project and together with Julie producing, they will create a unique and impactful film.”

 “The eThekwini Municipality has supported the development of this project since its early inception because as a City, we understand that it is difficult to make your first major feature but even more difficult to make your second feature film.” says Deputy Mayor Cllr Nomvuzo Shabalala “Madoda Ncayiyana is one of the City’s great talents and it is of critical importance that we support such talents to help grow our local industry. The opportunity now offered to Vuleka Productions is also testament to the success of the City funded Durban FilmMart and the impact it can have on our local filmmakers.”

‘We are really thrilled that this film is gaining traction in development,” says Toni Monty, Head of the Durban Film Office which jointly hosts the Durban FilmMart with the Durban International Film Festival. “Film projects take time to develop, and go through many interventions and networking in order to come to fruition, and pitching forums such as these, create opportunities for the film to finally get into production.  The Durban Film Office has believed in Hhola Hhola from its early inception and we wish Vuleka all the best as they travel to Norway to pitch this really wonderful film to the forum.”

For more information about Hhola Hhola visit the websitewww.vulekaproductions.co.za, for more information about the Durban FilmMart go to www.durbanfilmmart.com

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19th Poetry Africa - Participants Announcement

Media Release

19th POETRY AFRICA - PARTICIPANTS ANNOUNCEMENT

A select group of poets from South Africa and around the world will gather together for a week showcasing the face of present day spoken word and storytelling at the 19th Poetry Africa Festival. The festival takes place in Durban from the 12 to 17 October 2015.

Hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Creative Arts, Poetry Africa provides a space for intercultural exchange and dialogue by hosting an extensive community outreach programme with poetry readings, performances and workshops in community centres, campuses and also participate in a programme of visits to schools across Durban to share ideas about poetry.

Evening poetry readings and discussions will take place at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre (Howard College) UKZN. The festival finale will take place on October 17 at the Rivertown Beer Hall in Durban’s CBD, with a closing performance by soulful singer Nakhane Touré.

This year’s festival features 24 poets:

UK-based Kat Francois, is a comedienne, playwright, actress, performer, host, schools and youth facilitator and a well‐known performance poet both in her country and globally. Lebohang 'Nova' Masango, is a Swedish-born writer, poet, activist, feminist and speaker, and UK-based Ghanaian performance poet, writer and sociocultural commentator Nii Parkes.

From South Africa comes the celebrated and prolific poet and actress Lebo Mashile, who, was named one of the Top 100 Africans by New African magazine; Lesego Rampolokeng the  renowned hard-hitting South African writer, playwright and performance poet; Aryan Kaganof a filmmaker, novelist, poet and fine artist, who refers to himself as a project of African Noise Foundation; Ntsiki Mazwai the outspoken and incendiary poet, writer and musician and Thabiso ‘Afurakan’ Mohare one of the pioneers of the modern South African spoken word scene.

KZN-based poets include Africa Dlamini, a slam/spoken word poet who lives in Howick, Durban’s Celiswa Majali whose novel entitled Imbali yentombazanana is used by schools at grade 10 level in the Western Cape and Gauteng Provinces. Also from Durban are Khanyi Shusha a diviner, performance art poet, stylist, designer, facilitator, brown consciousness activist, feminist and writer; Kwazi Ndlangisa a South African award-winning performance poet, vocalist, creative writer and art activist; Matt Vend who is well known across South Africa for his poetically-driven songwriting, unique rhythmic guitar playing and engaging live performances; Nokulunga Dladla who is a passionate recording poetry artist and a storyteller as well as being an educator in the Pinetown District; Nosipho Magcaba, a former “prelude poet” at the festival, who returns this year to the main programme; Tshebeletso Mohale also a former “prelude poet” at Poetry Africa 2014 who is lives and works in Durban; Thando Fuze has twice been nominated  for Best Female Performing Poet at the Original Material Awards and Vus'umuzi Phakathi who  is an award winning South African poet, writer, performer, facilitator and producer.

Other featured poets include Icebound Makhele a spoken word performer, writer, cultural activist and events coordinator from Bloemfontein,Makhosazana Xaba the author of two poetry collections and is a feminist activist with experience in women’s health, philanthropy and the anti-apartheid struggle; Mbali Vilakazi the award-winning South African poet, performer, curator and speaker, with a dynamic style and collaborative experimental approach; Mthunzikazi Mbungwana a poet, writer and storyteller from a small village of Upper Indwana in Cala in the former Transkei;  Mutle Mothibe has spent the last 15 years honing his skills a writer and performer and is also an accomplished workshop facilitator who regularly engages both learners and educators and Limpopo-born Vonani Bila who is poet and musician, who has written eight story-books for newly literate adult readers in Sepedi, Xitsonga and English.

Tickets for the evening sessions, which take place at 7pm at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, are R40 (students/ pensioners: R25 at the door) and can be purchased at Computicket or one hour before the performance begins at the box-office. Tickets for the festival finale at Rivertown cost R70 (pre-sale or R80 at the door) and can be purchased  from www.computicket.com

For more information go to www.cca.ukzn.ac.za or like the Facebook page PoetryAfrica or follow on Twitter @PoetryAfrica. 

Presented by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) and made possible by support from the eThekwini Municipality, KZN Department of Arts and Culture, National Arts Council and the Goethe Institute. The Centre for Creative Arts is housed in the College of Humanities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and is a special project of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cheryl Potgieter. 

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The 2015 JOMBA! Eric Shabalala Dance Champion Award

MEDIA RELEASE

The 2015 JOMBA! Eric Shabala Dance Champion Award

The Centre for Creative Arts and JOMBA! announced on Friday, September 4 that this year’s Eric Shabalala Dance Champion Award goes to a colleague of the late Eric Shabalala and fellow founding member of Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre, Ntombi Gasa, from Clermont, Durban.

The award, now in its 5th year, was created to honour of the memory of Eric Mshengu Shabalala who tragically passed away in 2011. Shabalala was a local dancer, choreographer, teacher and one of the founding dancers of the Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre in Durban. In a fitting tribute, the Centre for Creative Arts and the JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience Dance Festival has set up this annual award to honour some of KwaZulu-Natal’s stalwart dancers and dance teachers – all in the name of Eric Shabalala.

The award is given not only in recognition of performance or choreographic excellence, but also most profoundly in recognition of dance practitioners who have worked tirelessly to help grow a culture of dance and dance training in Durban – who have supported the growth of dance as an art form at both community and regional level.

In selecting recipients, the Jomba! committee look for those gifted individuals who have gone above and beyond – often without funding – to dedicate themselves to the cultural industry and to put KZN dancers and dance on the national and international map.

Past recipients of this prestigious award include Jarryd Watson who was the first recipient in 2011 for his work with the Wentworth Dance Movement, Sifiso ‘Kitsona’ Khumalo in 2012 for his dedicated work in growing the Flatfoot Dance Company’s dance education and development programmes, as well as developing his own community’s dance programme in Clermont.

In 2013, the award was given jointly to Byron ‘Bizzo’ Tifflin and Preston ‘Kayzo’ Kyd who, often having to operate in a situation with no funding, and these two dancers still manage to grow a community of dancers and their Bboy dance crew, the 031 Floor Assassins, is testament to this.

In 2014, the award was jointly given to Jabu Siphika, Julia Wilson and Zinhle Nzama. They are especially honoured for the dance development work they are doing though FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY with young girls and women in KZN and with using dance to address a society fraught with difficult gender politics that often makes the lives of young women so challenging.

Ntombi Gasa is a choreographer, dancer and dance teacher. She serves as a director on the company’s board and heads Siwela Sonke’s Training and Development Programmes. She began her dance career in 1994 at the Natal Playhouse Youth Development Programme under the directorship of Alfred Hinkel and then Jay Pather. Gasa obtained a Dance in Education certificate from the University of KwaZulu Natal in 2000.

Gasa has performed and travelled extensively with Siwela Sonke. Some notable performances include Ahimsa Ubuntu, Kitchen(winner of the Brett Kebble Art Prize), Republic, South African Siddharta, Cityscapes, The Beautiful Ones Must be Born, Body of Evidence, Qaphela Caesar! and rite under the direction of Jay Pather.

She has a long international performance career as well which spans New York, Bombay, New Delhi, Sri Lanka, Dusseldorf, Madras, Madagascar, Copenhagen, Los Angeles, Den Haag and London. She (together with the late Eric Shabalala) led twelve young South Africans to tour 17 cities in the Netherlands as part of the World Children’s Festival.

Throughout her career, Gasa has valued working with both young children and the elderly. She currently runs classes and teaches students from 6 years to 75 years. Her strong focus on development has seen her bringing dance and dance education to various communities in KwaZulu Natal, both rural and urban, from KwaMachai in the South Coast to KwaMashu

“In all of this she remains, humble and modest. She best epitomizes what Eric Shabalala himself showed us: a hidden treasure that has enriched the world yet someone that remains KwaZulu Natal’s very own.” says the JOMBA! committee.

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