COMBATING SOCIAL ILLS THROUGH ARTS
By Kabelo Selebogo
Some of the murals on the wall at Kanana Community Arts & Heritage Centre done by local visual artists. Photo by : Kabelo Selebogo
The
city of Matlosana - which is bordered by the townships of Jouberton, Khuma,
Kanana, Tigane and Alabama - is blessed with artistic talent. This is despite the
fact the city is dogged by such social ills as drug abuse and gang violence,
which tend to obscure the incredible talent.
With
Dr Kenneth Kaunda District being the only district in the province without a
Mmabana center, the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (Acsr)
has launched the Kanana Community Arts
and Heritage Center in Orkney.
The
initiative is a partnership with Mmabana and the North West Federation of
Community Arts Centres (NWFCAC).
The
mission of Community Arts Centers (CAC) is to make performing arts, crafting,
and cultural activities accessible to communities. Additionally, CAC’s aim to
foster skill development, create new opportunities, employment and contribution
to social cohesion and nation-building.
They
serve as a foundational phase for people who desire to work or pursue
professional careers in the arts and heritage fraternity.
Young artists from the Kanana
Centre and the surrounding communities showcased their skills in a variety of
disciplines, including drama, music, cinema, craft, and visual arts.
Mokula Ramabodu, a local visual artist, has dedicated his
time to mentor the local youth.
"I have made the decision
to pass on my artistic skills and acknowledge to young creatives for free, as
part of mentoring and giving back to my township,” said Ramabodu. “The weekday
classes commence at 15:00 comprises painting, charcoal and pencil.
“The colourful artistic murals
on the walls are the collective efforts of myself and my visual art learners.”
Shuping Sebolecwe, the spokesperson
for Acsr said: "These centres strive to identify and develop potential
creative talent in many communities. There are currently 23 CAC’s in townships
and rural areas that are affiliated to the NWFCAC. Individuals and teams can
participate at the provincial, national, and global stages, therefore the
platform is not limited to local communities.”
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