Sibikwa Arts Centre

In order to maximise impact, Total South Africa also directs its funding towards Sibikwa Arts Centre. Due to Total South Africa's ongoing support of programmes, Sibikwa has been able to reach thousands of young people, fostering a love and appreciation for the arts that aims to nurture creative expression for our rich artistic and cultural heritage.

 

Sibikwa was started by Smal Ndaba and Phyllis Klotz in 1988, in response to a group of East Rand parents who had voiced their concerns about their children's poor attendance at school, lack of focus and the increasing violence and the lack of amenities in the townships.

 

One of the many projects that Sibikwa is involved in and made possible by Total South Africa's funding is the Sibikwa Saturday Arts Academy (SAA). It was established  in 1996 and hosts between 170 and 200 learners each year, from the ages of 6-24 years. These youngsters are given an opportunity to be trained by professional artists and arts educators. This is one of the centre's cornerstone projects aimed at filling the gap in arts education. The school runs over 37 Saturdays and offers a number of performing art disciplines including  dance, drama, music and visual arts.

 

For the second year in a row, Sibikwa came back from the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown with a Standard Bank Oviation award. The Standard Bank Oviation award was introduced in 2010 to recognise excellence on the national arts festival fringe programme rewarding productions that are innovative, original and creatively outstanding.  In 2010, the Sibikwa Arts Dance Company was honoured and in 2011 the Sibikwa Arts African Orchestra was recognised for re-alignment.