Thokozani Ndaba
DRAMA FOR HEALING AND SOCIAL CHANGE
Thokozani Ndaba at home in Johannesburg © Thom Pierce 2023
Thokozani Ndaba found the theatre at a very young age.
During apartheid, theatre performances were often used as a cover for community meetings so that people could come together to discuss the liberation struggle.
“At the time, it was illegal for more than five people to gather together, except at formal events, so we were forced to get creative.”
Growing up in a township outside Pietermaritzburg, a love for theatre quickly materialised and set the foundations for a lifetime of passionate activism, using theatre techniques as facilitation tools for dialogue and change.
“As a young person who faced challenges at a young age I used the Theatre as a shield, I knew that it was imperative for me to bring drama and theatre to my work as a tool for healing and growth.”
Thokozani went on to gain a master's degree from New York University focusing on implementing theatre in communities and has travelled extensively using drama for transformation and education.
In 2017 Thokozani founded the Ntethelelo Foundation in the informal settlement of Setswetla, neighbouring Alexandra Township. The foundation was initially designed as a place for young girls in the community to talk about their lives in a non-judgemental, safe space.
Every Monday to Saturday during the school term and holidays, young men and women from the community now come together to attend classes at the Ntethelelo Foundation that deal with issues ranging from GBV to HIV, toxic masculinity and gender norms.
“In isiZulu we say ‘Zibanjwa Zisemaphuphu’ meaning it’s better to catch them while they are young, especially when it comes to self-development education. It is much harder to change the mindset of an adult that is already set in its way.”
Using theatre techniques as a communication tool they facilitate discussions and conduct workshops alongside reading clubs and yoga programs. They also develop performances that can be taken into the local communities to raise awareness of gender-based violence. The foundation aims to create change-makers who can be an example to the community.
“We strongly believe that self-love and self-respect build individuals and communities.”
Since 2021 Ntethelelo Foundation has had its own dedicated space working out of repurposed containers with 3 flushing toilets, a shower and a kitchen, a counselling room and a library.
