South Africa

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South Africa, Maverick Life, Maverick Citizen

Step into Signature Gallery — a space for young people to lead and grow

‘Imithandazo yezalukwazi’ (We are carried by prayers of our grandparents), captured by Khayelihle Dlamlenze (12). The photo was taken in Jabulani, Soweto. (Image: Supplied / Musa Mbele-Radebe)

By Tamsin Metelerkamp

14 Jun 2022

The Sandis’ Ubuntu Foundation art programme operates out of Kholwani Primary School in Jabulani, Soweto. The programme’s learners have produced pieces that capture the bleak conditions many young South Africans face, but also the capacity of youth to overcome adversity.

‘The artworks produced by young people are pure and incorruptible because they are still honest to… their dreams. They follow their hearts and imagination. Their message carries honest intentions that can help contribute towards the greatness of the universe.”

These are the words of Musa Mbele-Radebe, the founder of the Sandis’ Ubuntu Foundation. The foundation operates in Jabulani, Soweto, providing multifaceted support to the young people of the community. Since 2020, it has offered an art programme for primary and high school learners in the area who are interested in visual expression.

‘Ngiphiliswa Yithemba’ (I live with hope), created by artist Nokubonga Khumalo (12). (Image: Supplied / Musa Mbele-Radebe)

‘It remains a crime scene’, created by Theo Khuvutlu, the 29-year-old fine art facilitator at Sandis’ Ubuntu Foundation, in honour of Youth Day 2022. (Image: Supplied / Musa Mbele-Radebe)

“We have created an initiative that enhances the creative skills of young people, exposing them to the bigger art industry with the hope of creating access to economic opportunities [and] providing them with the necessary training,” said Mbele-Radebe.

The art programme operates out of Kholwani Primary School. Participating students meet on Saturdays for classes and there are currently 27 children involved in the programme.

‘We plead to be innocent’, created by artist Siphesihle Nkomonde (11). (Image: Supplied / Musa Mbele-Radebe)

In the lead-up to Youth Day, the foundation provided Maverick Citizen with some of the artworks and photographs produced by young members of the programme, capturing the challenges faced by the youth and their ability to rise above adverse circumstances.

Platform for youth empowerment

During his high school years, Mbele-Radebe first studied at a township high school, Pace Commercial College. He later received a scholarship to St Stithians College, a prestigious private school. The stark differences in education and opportunities he observed between these two environments motivated him to create a platform to assist learners in need.

This artwork was created by Sabelo Xulu (11). Describing the piece, Xulu stated, ‘Weaved futures, a weaved home for me, my mother builds, she teaches and provides. I have yet to learn how to fly on my own, yet to weave and pave my way.’ (Image: Supplied / Musa Mbele-Radebe)

“When I finished matric, I told myself that no, I’m going to my first primary school, which is Kholwani [Primary School]. I need to [give] back in a way,” said Mbele-Radebe.

In 2011, he founded the Sandis’ Ubuntu Foundation and worked to convert a storeroom at the school into a library. The library was christened Signature Library in 2015. Those who donated books to the space were encouraged to leave personal messages and signatures inside each one, said Mbele-Radebe.

‘Ngibuka izwe elish ngamehlo akudala’ (Setting old eyes on the new world), by artist Nomfundo Dlamini (13). (Image: Supplied / Musa Mbele-Radebe)

“When you give a book that has shaped you, it must have meaning also. We wanted to create a personal feeling between yourself and the library,” he explained.

The Signature Gallery was established in 2020, after the Ford Foundation became a benefactor of Mbele-Radebe’s organisation. The art programme began that same year, with the gallery serving as a space to display works produced through the programme.

‘The memory that sets a frown on my face, the burning feeling to cry’, by artist Hloniphile Luvuno (22). (Image: Supplied / Musa Mbele-Radebe)

“What we wanted then was, [to] use art to attract these kids who are not academically able, so that they can utilise the space,” said Mbele-Radebe. “Even if they come and just… browse through the images… I wanted them to be part and parcel of the library.”

While Mbele-Radebe mainly works with the book club at the library, he also assists with the Signature Gallery by coming up with themes and curating the works produced. The instructors for the art programme include Theo Khuvutlu, the fine art facilitator, and Thando Makhubu, the visual art facilitator.

‘Smoked dreams of young people’, captured by Ndabezitha Gama (13). The image shows a shelter in Jabulani, Soweto, home to young people who smoke nyaope, a form of black tar heroin. (Image: Supplied / Musa Mbele-Radebe)

“This programme — all of it from the books, the library itself, Signature Gallery, every part of it — it’s youth-led,” said Mbele-Radebe. “These are people who have volunteered their time and effort to contribute to greatness, and they’re using their skills to help our community to grow on its own.”

The foundation aims to launch an online art gallery by August.

‘Where are the gentlemen of our communities?’, captured by Busisiwe Ndlovu (12). The photo was taken at Jabulani Mall in Jabulani, Soweto. (Image: Supplied / Musa Mbele-Radebe)

Safe spaces

Young people in the Jabulani community are confronted by a number of challenges, including socioeconomic issues, gender-based violence and academic inequalities, said Mbele-Radebe. They face a lack of opportunities and poorly equipped schools, even as they are exposed to high levels of corruption in government.

“When you check the corruption of government… how much is wasted… as a young person it tells you that there are definitely opportunities in South Africa to create something… yet what limits us is the voice — where is the voice of us, as young people?”

‘Feed the hungry kill the brain’, captured by Bokamoso Nthongoa (12). The photo, taken at Letare Secondary School in Jabulani, Soweto, shows young people gathering for a school feeding programme. ‘Youth of grants and handouts remain deprived,’ said Nthongoa about the image. (Image: Supplied / Musa Mbele-Radebe)

Young people need more spaces to be heard; spaces wherein “every dream will count, every dream will matter”, continued Mbele-Radebe.

The Sandis’ Ubuntu Foundation’s art programme has served to create one such safe discussion space for youngsters in the community. It not only provides educational initiatives they can look forward to, but also mentors from whom they can learn.

‘Thina sivela kude’ (We come from far), captured by Sinothando Cilo (13). The photo was taken in Orange Farm, Johannesburg. (Image: Supplied / Musa Mbele-Radebe)

‘Imithandazo yezalukwazi’ (We are carried by prayers of our grandparents), captured by Khayelihle Dlamlenze (12). The photo was taken in Jabulani, Soweto. (Image: Supplied / Musa Mbele-Radebe)

“We want to contribute to creating future citizens of South Africa who are aware and alert that yes, as much as there are challenges, there are also opportunities,” said Mbele-Radebe.

“We do not want them to take their circumstances from home and [have this] prevent them from seeing the light.” DM/MC

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South Africa

Platform for youth empowerment

Safe spaces