May 8, 2006
By Ndaba Dlamini
ALEX'S Twelfth Avenue is hectic on any day. But on Saturday, 6 May, Kopano Centre, the venue for an Arts and Culture Festival, lent a different artistic noise to the township street.
It was a day for arts in Alexandra, in the north of Joburg, with more than 20 drama, gumboot, pantsula, traditional and modern dance groups from in and around the area battling for top honours in the respective categories.
Nomazwe Ntlokwana, from the Gauteng sport, arts, culture and recreation department, said her department, in partnership with the City of Johannesburg's Region 7, organised the event.
A popular pantsula group
"The main aim of the festival is to enhance relations with individuals and arts and cultural organisations that are active in the implementation of arts and culture programmes in the township. It is also to ensure growth of the arts and culture environment."
First on the stage were drama groups presenting various genres, ranging from comedies to tragedies, all aimed at educating the public about the dangers of promiscuity and child abuse. Then came the gumboot dancers, who performed dazzling moves – much to the appreciation of the packed hall.
It was clear from the onset that the judges were going to have a hard time finding winners. When pantsula groups Newborn Pantsulas, Spa of Tomorrow and Senzeni took to the stage, they almost brought the house down. Shouts of "Ayeye Alex!" resounded through the hall, with enthusiastic supporters cheering the performers with gusto.
Next up were traditional groups: Khondelela and Faranani battled it out, trying to outdo one another with Venda song and dance. Not to be beaten, Zulu and Tsonga groups were a joy to watch as they sang and danced to thumping beats of traditional music.
"This is the first time that the event is being held in Alex," said Ntlokwana. "Arts and culture festivals have been held in various parts of Gauteng but we decided to hold the function in Alex because we recognised the cultural and artistic talent that can be found in the township."
The festival was also an opportunity for arts and cultural groups to gain knowledge from experts in the field, said Region 7's Willie Lekoloane.
"Not much has been done to improve the arts at regional level and Region 7 recognised the need to hold this festival for the benefit of local groups. We hope to hold more events of this nature in the coming years."
Ntlokwana said 22 arts and culture "hubs" were introduced in various parts of the province as part of the province's Cultural Industry Strategy, which was developed by the national cabinet. "Part of the strategy was the need to identify cultural groups at local level and provide the necessary support for these groups. Alex is one of these hubs," she explained.
Vusumuzi Mavuso, the regional director, presented trophies to the best three groups in each category at the end of the festival.
"But it will suffice to say that all the groups who participated in this event are winners. You did yourselves proud," said Flash Thobejane, the programmes director.
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