Organisation gives free dance workshops
Phindamzala Entertainment Projects, in partnership with the South African National Lottery Commission, offered free dance workshops to the community of Mandela squatter camp in Katlehong on June 30.
Gumboot and pantsula dance classes were offered. The club is also in the process of introducing tap dancing to Kathorus.
David Mahlaba, the managing director of the dance club, said they are in the process of promoting arts and culture in the community of Kathorus.
“We are aware that there are talented people in Kathorus whose talent is going to waste because no one is recognising them. As a result, they end up doing drugs because they are bored,” said Mahlaba.
He said they have decided to come up with the idea to expose the talent in the township.
“We have decided to visit disadvantaged communities in Kathorus and the surrounding areas and conduct free dance workshops. We have been to different squatter camps around Thokoza as well. We have also been to Cross Roads squatter camp,” Mahlaba said.
Patrick Lekhobane (artistic director) said they are training everyone who is interested in making dancing a career.
“It does not matter the age. We train young people as well as gogos. Even the disabled people in wheelchairs are welcome. We are in partnership with the Disability Forum from Ward 51. We want them to tell us if they have projects – like recruiting dancers or if they want to get training for their members,” explained Lekhobane.
Mahlaba thanked National Lottery Commission for making these workshops possible.
“They gave us T-shirts, caps, as well as transport to travel around the township to conduct these workshops,” concludes Mahlaba.
