The City of Ekurhuleni Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture recognized 17 students for completing the Ekurhuleni Arts Entrepreneurship Workshops.

The presentation of certificates and the presentation of diplomas took place recently at the Dumisani Masilela Theater in Germiston.

Read also: Give free rein to your creative writing

Tu Nokwe, known for her iconic creation of the original Sarafina cast, was also in attendance.

Eighty candidates from each region were selected to enroll in the program, then 20 from each region were selected and only 17 graduated in the first phase.

Pascar Dube, performing arts and acting general manager of the theatre, said the program was designed to provide information and skills development to emerging artists and arts organizations (potential future co-facilitators) in the region. Ekurhuleni.

“The workshops hosted up to 20 participants per session in one region. The program helps develop arts practitioners and arts organizations in our region with the skills to cultivate their ideas into business implementation,” said Dube.

“The mission is to provide equal access to opportunities in the artistic communities of our region, to reach young artists in rural and peri-urban areas from a previously disadvantaged background.

“Phase two will focus on reviewing and evaluating co-facilitators and identifying community arts organizations that will facilitate the program in phase three,” Dube said.
Nokwe shared how thrilled she was to be a part of such a ceremony and praised the city and theater management for investing in their community leaders.

She also congratulated the 17 certificate recipients for their dedication and perseverance.
“What excites me the most is what the city is doing in the arts sector. This will benefit the country in a major way. We will be able to find animators on our doorstep. It’s exciting to see young people getting involved in the arts and wanting to experience the business side,” said Nokwe.

Katlehong’s Lebohang Machedi and founder of Mac Arts Productions said their organization is one of many in the city that aims to develop young talent locally.
“It’s exciting that we didn’t have to travel far to be equipped with such skills and knowledge. Applying the skills I learned will improve my organization,” Machedi said.