Spotlight on Mokwena Arts...

Spotlight on Mokwena Arts and Cultural Group

Interview by Neo Mvubu

Mokhele Ben Makatu spoke to Neo Mvubu about the arts and cultural group that he and his fellow members started years back, the challenges and achievements and what they have in store for us in the future. He spoke of the input the group has had on the development of arts and culture in his community. Now let’s take a look at what he has got in store for us …

Q. When was the group established and by whom?
A. The group was established in 1997 and registered as a Non-Profit Organization by Mokhele Ben Makatu with 10 other members

Q. What has the group done so far?
A. We have traveled to the Malapo National Festival in Pretoria, we have won many competitions and awards in the Free State, we have attended the Macufe Arts festival many a-time and the Grahamstown Art Festival.

Q. What has your organization done for the community?
A. We have built a hall in Thaba Nchu for the community to use it; the elderly use it for when they receive grants and the children use it as a cultural centre. The same hall is also used for Abet students to learn in. The organization has been developing the arts in the community of Thaba Nchu and creating awareness of culture in children to further regain people’s pride in our heritage.

Q. Where did you get the money to build the hall?
A. We, the management decided to dedicate all our salaries to building the hall, some of the money came from sponsorships from the National Lottery and Motheo Local Municipality.

Q. What are you planning to do next?
A. We are planning to go to the Vita FNB Dance Umbrella which will take place at Wits University.

Q. What have been your major challenges as a group?
A. We have been having transport problems and the hall we have built has leakages. We have received sponsorships that we have allocated, we have distributed the funds to help our community but the government has been struggling to help with the little needs we have.
Courtesy of Free State News