Mission to preserve and develop talent in rural communities

Tokozani Ntshuntsha has spent the years since completing matric in 2006 creating a space for young people in Willowvale and surrounding areas to develop talents he felt were often overlooked. He founded Thembani Zizwe Kungathi (TZK), a nonprofit organisation that gives 40 children aged between 12 and 19 an opportunity to explore music, dance, poetry, theatre, comedy and cultural performances. Driven by the number of people leaving rural areas in search of better opportunities, Ntshuntsha was motivated to preserve and develop the talent that already existed within his community.

“Where I am from, art is seen as a waste of time and not something that can contribute economically because our people are not exposed to many things,” the 42-year-old said. “I started with a group of four children. We entered a competition and actually won, and that is how we gained credibility and began to grow in numbers.” In 2014, he formally registered the organisation, hoping it would one day become an arts centre or school of arts in the village, where he believes rural communities are often overlooked.

Later that year, he introduced the TZK Entertainment Group, which is funded by EXCESS and the National Arts Council. “We have seen many talented children, whether in creative and performing arts or sports, who do not get recognition because of a lack of exposure and resources,” he said. One of the organisation’s flagship projects is the annual Kwantu Arts Heritage Festival, funded by the National Heritage Council, which gives local artists a platform to showcase their work.

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The group has also performed at the National Arts Festival seven times. Ntshuntsha leads three initiatives with the help of 10 volunteers.

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