Theatre teens’ ‘fighting for rhinos’ initiative rewarded
'As young people, it is time that we get involved in the fight in different ways'
FOLLOWING the successful Masilwele oBhejane high schools theatre festival (Lets fight for our Rhinos) which saw ten Mkhuze high schools battle it out with their own presentations of anti-rhino poaching theatre, the winners have been rewarded.
Two of the best productions were chosen and the pupils awarded a two nights’ stay at uMkhuze Game Reserve and other prizes.
KwaGiba and Hlahlazana high schools triumphed despite tough competition on display by other schools.
This festival was hosted on 30 September by the eSkhaleni Arts and Culture Initiative under the leadership of Sizwe Zakwe, in partnership with uMkhuze Game Reserve – with other strategic partners coming on board soon after the programme had taken off.
‘I anticipate a great impact on our campaigns against rhino poaching, judging from the excitement learners have shown during their visit.
‘It was clear that their visit was an awakening call to join in the fight against rhino poaching,’ said uMkhuze Game Reserve conservation official Simon Nxumalo.
‘Game reserves cannot fight this battle alone. If we want to win this war we will have to get communities actively involved.’
One of the educators who was part of the production process, Theodora Mchunu, said she learned how rhino poaching affects their daily lives.
‘The whole journey of how the theatre productions came to life was incredible,’ she said.
‘We were introduced to topics that we never thought of, like how rhino poaching affects our economy, which contributes to the much-felt unemployment in our communities.’
According to Zakwe, the crisis of rhino poaching had touched so many students in that area that Thobani Mbuyazi of KwaGiba High School created a hip hop song dedicated to the cause.
‘As young people, it is time that we get involved in the fight in different ways,’ the youngster said.
‘It is our duty to protect all that our forefathers left us to see. Because if we do not, our children will not see the rhinos,’ Mbuyazi added.
The song will be submitted to local radio stations early next year.
The Masilwele oBhejane theatre project is gearing up to again take place next year.
‘The intention is to cover the whole of KZN,’ said Zakwe.
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