Langa Community Hall reverberated with joyous celebration, as more than a hundred teenagers entertained guests at the first of a series of centennial celebrations planned for the year.

The launch of the Youth Arts Festival took place on Friday, 31 March, and featured performances by ¬¬traditional African dancers, Imbongi (praise singers) and a group performance by a collaboration of multiple school choirs from Langa.

Famous actress Thoko Ntshinga spoke to inspire the youth at the event. She is best known for her role in South African film and television including popular soapies such as Egoli – Place of Gold, Velaphi and an M-Net production, The River. 

She shared her career journey with the budding new artists and mentioned that after 45 years of experience in the industry, the best advice she could offer was to stay true to yourself and to never give up until you’ve achieved what you’ve set out to do.

The Recreation and Parks team is instrumental in the development of youth in Langa as they actively seek partnerships with schools and community-based role players, to facilitate afterschool programmes where the teens can hone their craft. 

Maintaining facilities which often become a safe haven from negative environmental influences, and strategic planning of a schedule of music and manuscripts that will motivate participation, successfully results in hours spent by the youth practising performances that leave a remarkable impression on them and their audiences.

A special highlight of the event was a dramatic play by a handful of actors, who narrated a powerful message against gender-based violence. The actors played fictional characters of the spirit of South African women who tragically lost their lives to violence.

The moving piece demonstrated how the young people in Langa are able to raise awareness of social ills and are drawing attention to the importance of the youth taking a stand against women and child abuse.

Another meaningful thread throughout the day’s festivities was the line-up of performances featuring traditional African dance and song, celebrating with pride the rich heritage and cultural identity rooted in generations of families living in Langa.

‘Celebrating Langa is not only a way to remember its history, but also to acknowledge the contribution, courage, will and tenacity of its residents. Thousands of families have called Langa their home and in looking back at 100 years of Langa, we salute those generations,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.

A series of similar programmes are scheduled to take place every last Friday of the month, at Langa Community Hall until September. To support future initiatives please contact RP.enquiries@capetown.gov.za for more information. 

Caption 1: Traditional African dancers Vuka Nomtobhoyi Dance Group.

Caption 2: Actress Thoko Ntshinga at the event.

Caption 3: Choir master Ntando Ngcume, leading a collaboration between various Langa school choirs.

Caption 4: Emthonjeni NPO drama against gender-based violence.