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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

Future of Reitz Residence still to be decided
2008-04-22

Statement by the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State (UFS), Prof. Frederick Fourie

Reports in some media today (Monday, 21 April 2008) may have created the impression that the University of the Free State (UFS) has made a decision not to close the Reitz Residence where four former students produced a racist video.

This is incorrect. No such or any other decision on the future of Reitz Residence has been taken. The UFS Council mandated management last month to consider the possibility of closure of the residence and of its conversion into a beacon of transformation, hope and liberation (either as a residence or in some other form). Persons who will be affected directly by such a decision (and others) were given the opportunity to make written submissions for consideration by management.

The "Nasionale Unie van oud-Reitzmanne" is a grouping of former students and one of many groups that utilise this opportunity. They held a meeting in Bloemfontein this past weekend where the call was made for Reitz to remain open as a residence. This call was reported as if it was a decision of the UFS.

Their submission will be considered along with the various written submissions that have been made and they are being carefully studied. When this process is over, the University will make an announcement on the future of the residence.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za  
21 April 2008

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