Arts and Culture South Africa Project #59839

Improve lives of young Zulu dancers

by Suni-Ridge Sand Forest Park, Environmental Rehabilitation Centre

Project Report | Dec 11, 2023
Year end fun for our special dance group

By Janet Anne Cuthbertson | Project leader

End of the Party Janet with some of the dancers

We were filled with fun and joy to share a lovely year-end party with our very special dance group - our Young Environmental Ambassador Zulu Dancers!

Although we take them meals, this Sunday we decided to treat them to a little party to celebrate their victory in overcoming their challenges to be the best of the best. They loved the treats and balloons and each took home some of the fare to share with their families.

Before the meal, our Wildlife Guide and children's coach spoke to them about the importance of Nature and how their forefathers lived together with nature. Where they now reside outside the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park (Big Five territory) they have not much wild left but still, there are many wild birds and each of them must protect and care for nature which of course includes their domestic animals. To show compassion and dedication to the protection and care of their environment, their culture, and their natural heritage.

Unfortunately, it began to rain but that did not prevent them from heading to the nearest tree and moving their table with the feast under the shelter of the branches and leaves.

During 2024 we plan to build them a lovely shelter but would need as much support as possible to achieve this.

Every child told us to please convey their heartfelt thanks to all who have helped make their lives such a joy through dance and through the support from GlobalGiving.

Some children were still arriving

Friends were invited to join in.

Rain began but next year we will have a shelter!

Rhino! their heritage near to where they dance.

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Oct 20, 2023
Amaizing and Exceptional outcome

By Janet Anne Cuthbertson | Project leader

Photo before National Talent Gold achievement

It was amazing but we should not have been surprised. Our Young Environmental Ambassador Zulu Dancers won Gold in South Africa's National Talent Africa Contest! They were competing with 9 South African Provinces and were representing Kzn Province.

Their performance was excellent and they obtained a score of 84% and each received a gold medal. They were selected to perform in the showcase event at Etienne Rousseau Theatre and they were selected to perform in an international competition in USA New York!

From Rural Zululand Bush to victory on the city stage, this group of determined and very talented children proved that poverty would not stop them and they could shine to be the best of the best.

They have thanked Janet Cuthbertson who helped with the choreography and her supporting team – and for all the support for the trip, Mluleki Mabika team manager, coaches Muzi Madondo and Sandile Madonsela, Susan Cuthbertson and Jennae Bezuidenhout admin and Public Relations, Bus manager and community Induna Thokozani Khumalo, and assistant driver Mr Mnyeni.

Through GlobalGiving we were able to accommodate them in the wonderful Sasolburg High School hostel, where they enjoyed delicious breakfasts and suppers, and comfortable beds. We treated them to their favourite KFC lunches and River Side Hotel sponsored a lovely packed lunch for one of the days.

We also treated them to much fun after the competition by taking them to a resort alongside the Vaal River where they danced enjoying the freedom of their own Zuludance dance choice and invited onlookers to join in. They were invited to join a feat with huge ice cream for all. The next day they went to a water park where they enjoyed swimming and other activities. Funding also helped us provide brand-new shoes and T-shirts, and we helped fund their regalia and shields for their dance. Jet Stores provided them each with lovely black denim jeans to match their T-shirts and the local municipality helped with transport from KZN to Sasolburg, an 8-hour bus trip. Talent Africa gifted beautiful T-shirts and snacks before the contest.

Our next challenge is to help them buy their National colour jackets, continue to provide support for food and water and build a Culture, Dance, and Environmental Centre in the area where they practice their dance, to provide shelter during rainy weather or in the extreme heat that can be experienced in Zululand summers.

Heartfelt thanks again to everyone who has helped us make a dream come true for these children. It has only been possible with your support, the support of all those who care, and through the support of GlobalGiving.

Fun in water park day after winning gold

Talent Africa Gold Medal for each of the team

In rural Zululand enjoying a meal before practice

Victory on the City Stage Etienne Rousseau Theatre

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