SA children celebrate their heritage & uplift themselves through dance

Credit: Izilo Zakwantu Entertainment

Izilo Zakwantu was launched as a way to teach children about their heritage and traditions, now through dance, gives them a brighter future

Izilo Zakwantu Entertainment was launched as a way for children to connect with their heritage while keeping them off the streets and out of trouble. What started as a small project has turned into a way for these children to excel.

The dance group is hired to perform at various events and the proceeds are used to buy the children school supplies and uniforms.

The group has been invited to perform on a cruise liner, entertain foreign tourists and most recently at the Belmont Terrace Theatre.

Nomzamo Mfikili became inspired to form the organisation after the children in her neighbourhood would come to play at her house. Her daughter liked to play with the children out in the streets so she encouraged them to rather be in her yard where it was safer. She would read to them, put on movies and other activities.

Shortly after her idea sparked she teamed up with Nzwana Mveni. Together they realised they could make a difference in these young kids lives. Giving them an after-school activity would mean they didn’t engage in criminal activity or get involved in drugs.

Now, 3 years since they started this adventure, they have made a meaningful impact. The partners each have a group of children that they work with. There are a total of 15 children aged between 4 and 12 years old.

The children don’t only learn about traditional dance but also poetry and singing. The hope is to add traditional instruments to the mix and create a band for the group as well.

“Things have picked up financially and we were even able to buy school uniforms and stationery for the children,” – Nomzamo Mfikili

The future is bright for the children as Nonzamo and Nzwana hope it will help them pay for the children’s educations. They also hope to buy team tracksuits this year.