Had it not been for a Wind Band concert, I would probably, no, never have entered KwaMashu. This township, twenty miles north of Durban, South Africa is known for it's very high levels of poverty and crime.
The township was formed by the apartheid state to house the mass resettlement of Africans that were living in Cato Manor during 1958-65. It is the largest of 3 townships in the area (Inanda and Ntuzuma are more rural with a lower population density).
Our first trip into the township was with the Wind Band buses, and we were brought directly into the schools, unpacked, and played a delightful concert for teachers and students during the public sector strikes. We gave a semi-educational performance, where various members of the Wind Band got up, and spoke abit about their instruments. The heartwarming appreciation and thanks we received made the concert even more worthwhile. So no worries on our second trip then hey?
This time, we met up at the EKhaya Multi Arts Centre, for a performance with the Leeds Youth Jazz Rock Orchestra. Upon finishing early, I left with a few band mates in my own car, and the GPS to guide us out of there. When the GPS got unnerved and we took a wrong turn, things went from bad to worse, and we entered a cul-de-sac to which a crowd of men approached my car and one man made a jump out in front of us. Never before have I been as scared. Jumping on the accelerator, we speed out of there only to find the ADT guards who directed us out of the township. Coming from Johannesburg, I already have "fear" built into me, and this was just like one of those scenes you hear about and the bodies are found the next morning. This was 11am!
However, on a more positive note, KwaMashu is notable for its lively performance arts scene. Although the people of KwaMashu have to cope with issues of high rates of sexual abuse, violence, crime and high rates of HIV, within the township, a lively performing arts scene thrives including Maskandi, hip hop, pansula dancing, dance, drama. Through performance the young people of KwaMashu are raising the cultural profile of KwaMashu, aided significantly by the skills, resources and direction of Ekhaya Multi Arts Centre for Arts and Performance.
Nestled in the heart of the township is this lively initiative, to where students can find a bit of security and safety from the turmoils in their lives, creating employment and opportunities to the members of the community.
There are Day Tours through the KwaMashu community, and I would suggest these, to get a bit of insight into this township where the likes of Jeff Radebe and Henry Cele come from. Just don't go alone, and have a tour guide, or someone who is familiar with the area.
Jetsetter Xx
