09/04/2026
Kuruman/Magojaneng
Youth empowered through the arts
Victor Mulangisi
During 13 to 15 March 2026, at the Magojaneng community hall in Kuruman, ASSITEJ South Africa hosted Kickstarter Creative Arts Education Training for the artist facilitators of Lattakoo Art Foundation NPC from Magojaneng and the Baitlami ba Ngwao Art Centre from Churchill.
These are the only two arts organisations in the John Taolo Gaetsewe district that are affiliated with ASSITEJ South Africa and which are also programme partners of the Social Employment Fund Stream 4Arts4Youth at the Magojaneng community hall.
The training was facilitated by Mr Letlhogonolo Lucky Nche, the Northern Cape provincial co-ordinator of ASSITEJ South Africa and Mr Kefentse Angel Mafafo. Amongst the people that attended the training were Nthabeleng Happiness Kgopodithate, a member of the board of directors of Lattakoo Art Foundation NPC and Nkagisang Vivian Gaelatelwe, the chief executive officer and founder of Baitlami ba Ngwao Art Centre. The provincial co-ordinator presented them with ASSITEJ-branded pull-up banners, musical instruments and equipment for fabricating additional musical instruments.
During the three-day course the artists received instruction in music, movement and acting.There were twelve participants who attended the training from both organisations, namely seven from Baitlami ba Ngwao Art Centre and five from Lattakoo Art Foundation NPC. The project not only benefited the artists but also local business owners, who provided services such as catering and accommodation for facilitators, demonstrating that the arts contribute to the local economy. Both organisations are using the arts as a tool to address social ills in rural communities and also to combat gangsterism.
Mr Phemelo Kenneth Petrus, an energetic young man, founder of Lattakoo Art Foundation NPC and the organiser of the function, said that being a youth in any community is challenging because it is a period of temptation and experimentation, yet some of these engagements can be detrimental. “In their journey of self-discovery, youth inevitably have good and bad experiences. Being involved in cultural and sport activities help them cope with these experiences”, he said.
Photo: ASSITEJ South Africa hosted Kickstarter Creative Arts Education Training Magojaneng community hall in Kuruman.
