AFRONFQE is asking for funding from anyone who can help the artists who are running a campaign to raise awareness about the various atrocities that have attacked young people and teach them skills.
These artists have an organization called Immvelo Social Development NPC. Its chairman is an actorZalo Thembinkosi Thwala, his deputy is rapper Mpumelelo “Shon G” Gumbi, general secretary is actor Ndumiso Dlamini and his acting colleague Swazi Mokoena is his deputy and there is actor Menzi Biyela who is the treasurer.
Menzi, who is the founder of the organization, said that fraud and corruption in the government is the reason why money ends up in the hands and ends up not reaching where it is needed the most.
“We are asking the government and private companies to contribute to what we are doing so that young people can have a bright future. We are not only asking the government but even if you are a strong KwaMashu king you can support us,” said Menzi who has acted in many sports includingTouch, Ancestry and others.
He said last year they started a program to visit Westville prison to equip inmates with skills in acting, singing, and directing plays. He said they started with their own pocket but received funding from Arts and Living Cultures to continue until March.
He revealed that they are running out of money to organize an event where the prisoners they have trained will show what they have learned.
While they are waiting for that, Menzi said they are visiting schools to raise awareness about violence, sexual abuse, drug use and more.
He said they have visited schools including Chesterville High School, Thokozamnganga High School in Shongweni and Phambili High School in Seaview.
On Monday they will go to Manzibomvu Primary School and Zabeni Primary School.
“We will visit the 14 schools that have made a donation saying that they like what we are doing and they are asking us to reach out to them. What we are doing is not possible for free because we have to arrange travel and accommodation.”
He revealed that they want to bring back sports in schools so that students have something to do and not spend their loneliness on drugs. He said they also want to take neglected theaters in Durban and use them to equip the youth with skills.