Local actor on a mission to help teach youth the importance of co-existing with foreign nationals
The actor said educating young people of the significance of co-existing with foreign nationals can help the country avoid future incidents of xenophobic attacks.
A well-known South African actor, Joseph Mvelase said teaching youngsters how to treat foreign nationals as brothers and sisters can help the country dodge future xenophobic attack incidents.
Mvelase, who portrays Jigga on the eTV telenovela, Isiphindiselo, hosted auditions for a theatre play called, Truth to be Told which will be staged in local schools in August. Dozens of aspiring actors and actresses came out in their numbers to exhibit their acting talent in front of judges at Riversands Incubation Hub on July 3.
Mvelase said following tensions between locals and foreign nationals in Diepsloot early this year, he decided to embark on an initiative to educate the community on the importance of co-existing with people from other countries through theatre.
“We were looking for young people who will be part of our theatre play production that we will showcase in local primary and high schools. The aim of this project is to educate young people about Africa. We’ve realised that lack of knowledge about our continent and where we come from, were some of the factors that make people see foreign nationals as others.”
The Diep City and Gomora actor said he strongly believes art, such as theatre and music, plays a big role to unite people with different cultures and backgrounds.
“Art industry can play a pivotal role to unite people. I strongly believe that this play will help us achieve that goal.”
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