Alex youth, not all a lost generation

Alexandra youths proved that given appropriate platforms, they will not be part of the so-called undesired lost or failed generation.

This was evident at a recent Siya Giya Theatre Festival at the Olive Tree Theatre organised by NPO Kasipoetics Arts and Cultural Activities Group. The event held on a Friday and Saturday had hordes of youths engage in artful edutainment with a cultural slant to also help them understand their identity.

Instead of being on the streets and vulnerable to abuse and crime, they showcased and marvelled at their artistic talents or just urged on their counterparts. In the process, hidden artistic potential was unearthed that could be turned into a profession to help some of them exit poverty. This through nimble footed and stomping traditional dance routines of the Tswana and other cultures.

There was also social poetry with educational messages on self-preservation, protection, communalism and ubuntu. The messages were to encourage them to develop defence and coping mechanisms against social ills of crime, domestic violence and abuse, teenage pregnancies and HIV and Aids.

Kasipoetics’ Themba Khoza said the event sought to resurrect the arts as a form of self-expression, a platform for youths to do something better with their lives and natural talent and, to contribute to change and transformation through the arts. Khoza said he hoped these were the lead steps toward helping them become professionals who understand the intricacies of the trade and avoid being exploited.

“Many artists, especially the females, fail to attain the stardom they deserve through the arts because they are improperly managed and are easily exploited for their sexual beauty and elegance on stage, to the enrichment of others. This makes them accept anything from donations to presents of food and alcohol as tokens of appreciation for their services while they should be charging fees to support themselves and their families,” he stressed.

Some of the participants urged the organisers to continue hosting the event on weekends to help keep the youth occupied and away from anti-social activities.

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