RHAC launches production that will tackle social ills at schools

The production will run for six months at various school in the East Rand

May 26, 2022

Luccia Mashel 1 minute read

Cast members from left: Apilla Maqashu, Dumisani Mhlanga, Fezeka Hadebe, Nelisiwe Malati, Thato Titus, Dimakatso Mazibuko and Lukhanyo Titus. Front: Phumzile Mkhwanazi, Anathi Liwalala and Sipho Dladhla.

Rhoo Hlatshwayo Art Centre 4 Education (RHAC) in partnership with the National Arts Council (NAC) recently introduced its cast members for a production that will tour informal settlement schools in the East Rand.

The group will combat challenges in education in the form of integrating the arts into the curriculum.

During the launch, which took place at Rhoo Hlatswayo Arts Centre, Angelinah Kema, the project manager, wished cast members good luck as they embark on this project.

Singing during the launch is Nelisiwe Malati, Thato Titus and Aphilla Maqashu.

“We decided to have an opening day because we wanted parents and community members to see what the production will tackle when they go and perform at different schools.

“Due to lack of funds, RHAC has been in-active for some time so this event serves as a sort of reintroduction for the organisation.

“Many solutions can be found through the medium of art. Currently, schools face numerous challenges in dealing with social issues that affect academic performance, such as bullying, teen pregnancy, and alcoholism,” Kema said.

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“We can’t rely on schools alone to shape our children, hence, we try to deliver these issues through art.

“We believe that by using this method of production, learners and the society as a whole will be able to better deal with these issues,” Kema added.

Mduduzi Mdlalose, executive director of RHAC, said: “We felt we needed to address the issues, particularly bullying because it is a hot topic in Daveyton. As a result, through the production, we decided to address these issues to put a stop to it,” Mdlalose said.

The executive director of the RHAC, Mduduzi Mdlalose.

Thato Thusi, a member of the cast who played the role of a learner who impregnated a teenage girl and forced her to abort, said: “Teenage pregnancy is a sensitive subject that we see often in our society. My part is to teach young people that teenage pregnancy exists and that they should abstain from having sexual intercourse,” said Thusi.

Another cast member, Lukhanyo Titus, who played a role of a bullied learner, said he aimed at enlightening bullied learners on how to overcome bullying.

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