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ZIWAPHI • VOL 4 NO 11 • 21 - 27 May 2010

NELSPRUIT

By Eric Mashaba

It’s not every day that one sees a traditional group who combines their cultural performances with circus acts, but that’s exactly what makes Mpumalanga’s Dance for Life so unique.

The Swazi group, which was established in 2004 by Sydwel Khanyi “SK” Manda, hails from Matsulu near Malalane.

“We bring something new, a combination of both culture and circus. Our dancers have been well trained in the field of choreography and they do similar trapeze stunts as those performed in a circus,” says choreographer and trainer Sprinter Matukane.

“The residents of many neighbouring villages know our township as one notorious for crime, teenage pregnancies and HIV/Aids. We are a proud township and we wanted to transform that perception. At least some of them are now safe from such elements, while securing a brighter future by developing their talents. We always tell our members to make education their first priority, and they are eager to show the world that we can be achievers.”

Matukane believes the group, whose members range from eight to 22 years old, has significance to both parents and children in Matsulu.

“Everybody enjoys our performances and parents are relieved that their children have been given aspirations as well as the opportunity to get to know their culture better,” he says.

The group has performed at many events, including resort concerts, weddings and parties, as well as hotel and government functions.

It was also among those that performed with cultural groups from Mozambique, Namibia and Swaziland during the Africa Day celebrations at the local stadium on Tuesday.

And, like many artists countrywide, Dance for Life hopes to charm visitors to the Fifa World Cup.

“South Africa is well-known throughout the world for its colourful cultural diversity. We would love to showcase ourselves to tourists from across the world during the tournament,” says Matukane.