Founder and managing director of the company, Ms Zodwa Matsebula, also known as DJ Zoe, with the main sponsor of the workshop, the National Youth Development Agency (Nyda), said the postponement is to help reach the targeted market that includes matric learners who are busy with their examinations this week.
“Our postponement comes after receiving complaints from the youth that they will be writing their exams on the previous proposed dates. The youth from rural areas also said that they needed more time to register, hence the postponement.
We will visit youth development centres across the province from the first week of November to encourage them to register. We will keep them informed via radio stations and social media of the dates we will be visiting their areas. Our targets are KaNyamazane, Hazyview, KaBokweni, KaMhlushwa, Secunda and eMalahleni,” added Matsebula.
The workshop aims to empower and upskill the youth in the arts and creative industry. She is calling on artists, DJs, vocalists, choreographers and producers to be a part of the workshop.
“With my 12 years’ experience in the industry, I thought it would be ideal to give back to the community by sharing the knowledge I have acquired and impart my skills to others who want to make it in the industry,” she said.
Nyda’s manager, Ms Jabulile Mkhwanazi said the agency’s involvement focuses on Zoe’s mentorship at the agency.
“For long we have been receiving public outcry on Nyda not supporting the youth in the arts industry. Through this workshop we aim to broaden the scope as last year’s Zoe production was focused around DJs.
Through this workshop she will be assisting us in encouraging young people to use their craft to create jobs. Our development team will also be part of the workshop to provide necessary information on how to commercialise your craft, we want to assist the youth to start sustainable businesses,” she said.
Mkhwanazi mentioned that the agency will also bring marketing linkages and experts to communicate different opportunities available in industry. “Our plan is to create an ongoing platform motivating the youth to be active in the economy of the province,” she added.
This year’s partnership with Nyda and its Masisebente Youth Development is all about empowering young people by acquiring new skills. The workshop includes competition which will see three attendees standing a chance of winning sound equipment from Nyda.
Damelin College will sponsor five bursaries to lucky participants. Other sponsors of the workshop include Vodacom, Masisebente Youth Programme, link to Brands car dealership, Rise FM, City of Mbombela and the Ehlanzeni District.
For registration forms send an email to Tlou.modiba@nyda.gov.za or zoe.deejay@gmail.com.
Alternatively call Tlou on 079 415 5267 or Zoe on 081 535 1541. Tickets are available at Computicket for R650 each. The tickets include meals for three days.
