Taking community engagement to new heights

The Department of Creative Arts at UNIZULU recently held one of a kind community engagement event at the department’s Drama Theatre. The event was intended to monitor and find solutions concerning challenges and halting issues that are faced by societies in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

During the event, participants shared their experiences and engaged in interesting topics about social issues through thought-provoking artistic performances under the theme; “Rural Development: Opportunities and Challenges for Young Creative in the Rural KZN.”

Although the occasion was primarily a typical community engagement event, according to the Acting Head of the Department and organizer; Gift Marovatsanga, the assembly also served as a significant platform for the University to join forces with relevant stakeholders in addressing societal issues.

“The main idea is to connect with rural societies and also want to acknowledge their backgrounds, beliefs and foundation.  We also invited business societies and other different stakeholders to see where and how we can collaborate in assisting and contributing positively towards the development of rural communities,” said Marovatsanga.

The Creative Arts department is widely known for its talent, creativity, and artistry in drama and stage performances did not disappoint on the day, with a special guest performance from Haringey Young Musicians, a musical group consisting of young artists based in England, London.

The event was graced by over 200 attendees. Among them were local artists, researchers, teachers and a delegation of academics.

Written by: Samkele Sokhela

Caption: Members of the Haringey Music Service group from England, London and local artists during the recent community engagement event.