Ngwana kgotso ha a lebale tsa kgotsong; Lets walk together, we will go far

28 Jan 2024

This heading is inspired by an old adage, whose truth I experienced at the recent strategy planning workshop of ASSITEJ SA. As a team we took a hybrid route to remind ourselves of the vision of the organisation, ensuring that we capture the notion of working to enable theatre and performances for, about, with and by children and young people. Then we reflected on our four pillars to remind ourselves that in everything that we do, we should support and develop artists, connect and advocate for the arts, create access for children and young people and empower education.

We then took time to hold up the internal mirror to look at ourselves and we discovered both strengths and weaknesses. For example, even though one of our weaknesses is the funding dependency and curtailed lifespans of some projects, one of our strengths includes having a healthy relationship with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) which makes more things possible. Moreover, we have nurtured the talents of artists committed to working with children and young people, and we have allowed many children and young people to engage with the arts in ways that have empowered and inspired them. And so when one witnesses Omphile Malusi’ s passion in serving as a board member and leading the fundraising committee, one is filled with awe, and a renewed energy, that ngwana kgotso ha a lebale tsa kgotsong (one never forget the good they once enjoyed).

We also took time to look externally and realised that while high unemployment threatens us with audience reduction and people wanting to spend less on what they perceive as luxuries, there are also huge opportunities through upcoming events like the Cuba ASSITEJ Congress and the African Children’s Summit, as well as 50 years of the National Arts Festival, where we can make our mark.

I marvelled at ASSITEJ SA’s vision for arts rich schools, which according our dream encompass five dimensions; Arts in school, arts after school, arts as method, arts encounter, and arts in community. Imagine what our country could be if every child enjoys an arts-rich education!

My memory travelled back to 2023 where I attended a mathematics festival which was organised by Sisonke National Art Education Centre and their incredible facilitators. At the festival, selected schools learnt the grade 6 mathematical concepts through Forum Theatre. It dawned on me that ASSITEJ SA dream is not far-fetched; in fact its pioneering Kickstarter programme attests to the notion of arts as method, and how it enriches learning.

What I particularly enjoyed about the strategy planning workshop were the commitments that various people made to ensuring fundraising/income generation, partnerships and visibility, and I think that this will go a long way in ensuring that we walk together. And I promise you, we will go far because Ngwana kgotso ha a lebale tsa kgotsong.

Perhaps I should end by congratulating all non-members and members of ASSITEJ SA who formed part of the class of 2023 matriculants on their achievements. Whatever it is, WELL DONE!

We are going far.

– Lalu Mokuku is the Chairperson of ASSITEJ SA and an Executive Committee member of ASSITEJ International. She will form part of the team attending the 50th anniversary of the National Arts Festival. She will also be watching how ASSITEJ SA engages with children and communities around the country to celebrate 30 years of democracy.