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05 April 2024 | Story ANTHONY MTHEMBU | Photo SUPPLIED
Vibrant performance at the Mthonyama Arts Festival
Vibrant performance at the Mthonyama Arts Festival.

In a concerted effort to revive and celebrate indigenous knowledge and traditions, both Zabesutu Mpiti a Lecturer and Sikhuthali Bonga an Academic Facilitator, in the Drama and Theatre Arts Department at the University of the Free State (UFS), presented two groundbreaking theatre productions: Macgam and Ijoloba. These productions, which premiered at PACOFS on 15-17 February 2024 and the Mthonyama Arts Festival on 15-17 March 2024 in the Eastern Cape, mark a significant milestone in the institution’s embrace of cultural heritage.

Established in 2022 by Mpiti and Bonga, the Mthonyama Arts Festival is an annual celebration aimed at showcasing and revitalizing indigenous creative practices, including plays originating from the rural areas of the Eastern Cape. Attendees at the festival were treated not only to theatrical performances but also to cultural experiences such as stick-fighting tournaments.

Both Macgam and Ijoloba received enthusiastic responses from the audience at the festival, signifying a hunger for narratives that resonate with African heritage and spirituality.

Exploring the productions

Ijoloba, conceived by Mpiti, is a three-part production inspired by Credo Mutwa’s seminal work, “Indaba, My Children.” The narrative revolves around Ijoloba, a deity sent to restore harmony among humans. Gifted with elements crucial to survival and prosperity, such as water and fertility, humanity’s misuse of these gifts, leads to conflict and the departure of Ijoloba along with her gifts. The subsequent narrative explores humanity’s quest to regain her favour.

Bonga’s Macgam delves into the migration of the Nguni people from central Africa to South Africa, drawing inspiration from Mutwa’s works as well. It also examines the tradition of female initiation schools, through the lens of divine intervention. Conflict arises as characters question traditional practices, reflecting tensions between old and new ways of life. Both productions intertwine themes of ritualism and the role of deities in African culture.

Significance of the productions

Bonga and Mpiti view these productions as pioneering efforts within the institution, breaking away from conventional Western narratives. They incorporated indigenous techniques, such as Dr Obakeng Kgwasi’s Bosophytrics, into their creative processes, emphasising the importance of diverse storytelling methods.

By bringing indigenous stories to the forefront, Bonga and Mpiti aim to foster a culture where such narratives are embraced and celebrated. The benefit in this regard is that students who are starting within the department can see that it is possible to create such work. “Bringing these stories to the forefront is a form of representation and a departure from Eurocentric ideologies allowing space for African spiritual practices to be integrated into the study and practice of drama and theatre.’’

Continuing the journey

Following its successful debut, Macgam has been showcased on various stages, including PACOFS, where it garnered positive feedback. Both productions are set to embark on a tour, with their next stop being Makhanda in the Eastern Cape, as part of the ongoing Mthonyama Arts Festival. 

News Archive

#PeopleOfKovsies brimming with positivity
2016-12-26

Kovsies both young and old, whether they are currently studying or have already graduated, abound in positive energy. Striving to harness this positivity, the #PeopleOfKovsies campaign was born. Over the past three years, this campaign has garnered a collection of photographs and quotable quotes from visitors, staff, students, and alumni that showcases the feeling that only a Kovsie knows.

The process is simple: Staff photographers approach people on campus and ask whether they are willing to pose for a photo. How they do this is up to the individual’s favourite style: pouting, looking serious, pointing, or just smiling. Participants then also have the opportunity to share a brief message with the Kovsie community, whether it is just how they feel at that particular moment, what it means to them to be a Kovsie, or how they picture that indescribable Kovsie feeling. These photographs, along with their captions, are shared on our social media platforms, and, in some cases, used on campus billboards or in our publications.

Description: Retha Hill Tags: Retha Hill

“I loved being a Kovsie, because my fellow Kovsies were more than just friends   they were like
FAMILY.” - Retha Hill

Description: Keamogetswe Nnyane Tags: Keamogetswe Nnyane

“I get to enrich my community through the diversity and exposure I received as a Kovsie.
To help uplift those who can’t do the same for themselves.” - Keamogetswe Nnyane

Description: Byron Wegger Tags: Byron Wegger

“The gateway that opened my mind to different ideas as well as giving me opportunities
through sport and academics I never would have experienced anywhere else.” - Byron Wegger

Description: Tamie Mbombo_PeopleOfKovsies Tags: Tamie Mbombo

“They have succeeded in creating the conditions wherein students from disadvantaged
backgrounds can be brought to the starting line of a race that many are unaware is even
being run.”-  Tamie Mbombo

Description: Lerothodi Molete Tags: Lerothodi Molete

“It means being an agent of change. Also equipping me with skills and exposure to be the
change I want to see in the world.” - Lerothodi Molete

Description: Lebogang Kotsi Tags: Lebogang Kotsi

"To be a Kovsie means being in a multi-racial learning institution and striving to be a great
leader in the future." - Lebogang Kotsi




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