An artistry evening proved to be profoundly emotional, evoking tears from the attendees as they were confronted with the stark realities faced by young people.
#KhaiSAS, in collaboration with Namaqualand artists, organized a captivating artistry night on Thursday, 18 July, aimed at shining a spotlight on the talent within the local community.
Makwin MacKenzie, the driving force behind the event, articulated that its core purpose was to provide a platform for artists to express their creativity and connect with their fellow community members.
MacKenzie emphasized the importance of acknowledging their burdens and seeking support while still displaying resilience for those dependent on them.
“The event aimed to encourage artists to express themselves through their art and to shed light on the struggles of women who often suffer in silence”.
The heartbreaking tales brought to light the absence of positive parental influences and the heavy burden of premature adulthood. The normalization of gender-based violence, substance abuse, and the early departure from education to support struggling families due to parental incapacity underscored the hardships faced by the younger generation. Despite these challenges, there remained a glimmer of hope that younger siblings would chart a more hopeful path and not be constrained by their past.
Renowned poet, Lynthia Julius, spoke passionately about the necessity of providing avenues for artistic expression in Namakwa, contending that the Northern Cape lacked sufficient platforms for local artists to share their experiences and inspire hope within their communities. She expressed gratitude towards the Art Council for offering a crucial opportunity for local artists to exhibit their work and address prevalent community challenges.
“The Nothern Cape does not enough give such platforms for local artists to express themselves. The expression is a way of reflecting daily life experience and giving other people hope of existence in this life,” she said. “This platform provided by Art Council gives opportunities for local artists to showcase their work and address what we going through in our communities”.
Nadia Beukes (44), found the session to be deeply moving, prompting her to reflect on her own life experiences and recognize the struggles faced by the Namqualand community. Hailing from Cape Town, she was profoundly affected by the tragic accounts and expressed her desire to extend support to those less privileged, while also instilling resilience in her own children.
“I couldn’t sit through the session hearing the tragic stories of what children go through in their daily lives”, she said. “I acknowledge my privileges, and experiencing the emotions of hearing the stories, I need to lend my hand to those who ain’t in my position but also keep the discipline for my children not to experience tragic memories”.
The event garnered support from the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture in the Northern Cape, as well as the National Arts Council, signifying the significance of this initiative in advocating for local artistry.
