Celebrate Youth Month with powerful Jozi productions: 'The Good White' and 'Sarafina!'
Vusi Kunene, Shonisani Masutha, Russel Savadier and Renate Stuurman are the all-star cast in 'The Good White'.
Image: Ngoma Mphahlele
With this being Youth Month, the following poignant productions are not to be missed.
The Good White
This production by Mike van Graan transports the audience back to 2016, when Jacob Zuma was running the country, corruption was rife, and the #FeesMustFall movement gained momentum.
Set against a backdrop ripe for introspection, the play focuses on four characters – portrayed by Russel Savadier, Renate Stuurman, Vusi Kunene, and Shonisani Masutha – as they grapple with fundamental questions about their beliefs, identities, and the paths they have chosen.
Directed by Greg Homann, this production serves as both a forceful critique and a thought-provoking reflection. The play's power and theatricality combine to create an experience audiences will not soon forget.
Please note, it has a PG-13 age restriction.
Where: Market Theatre.
When: June 4 - 8, 7pm.
Sarafina!
This is a special restaging of the critically acclaimed musical, a tribute to Dr Mbongeni Ngema. Telling a crucial part of South Africa's story, 'Sarafina!' entertains, uplifts, and empowers young people.
Set against the backdrop of Morris Isaacson High School in Soweto, the story unfolds in the wake of the historic events of 1976, when approximately 200 000 black students united in protest against the apartheid regime's oppressive education system.
Through its captivating performances and evocative music, 'Sarafina!' strives to bring this significant moment in history to life, reminding audiences of the enduring spirit of resistance and the ongoing quest for social and political justice.
With its moving story, it celebrates the strength and bravery of South Africa's female heroes, highlighting their sacrifices and victories in the struggle against oppression.
Directed by the renowned Mpho Molepo, with choreography by the innovative Nompumelele Gumede-Ngema, this production carries a PG-10 age restriction.
Where: Mandela Theatre at Joburg Theatre.
When: June 4 to 15, 11am.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
How South Africa's Youth Month aims to empower young people through skills development
Siyabonga Sithole | Published 1 day ago Minister in the Presidency, responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, and her deputy, Mmapaseka "Steve" Letsike, led the launch of the Youth Month programme for the year in Soweto on Tuesday. Image: Supplied Skills development and an inclusive and youth-oriented economy were some of the big talking points at the launch of this year's Youth Month programme in Soweto. The Minister in the Presidency responsible for women, youth and people with disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, her deputy, Mmapaseka "Steve" Letsike, and City of Joburg Mayor, Dada Morero, led a multi-pronged programme to kick-off Youth Month during a ceremony held at the Hector Peterson Memorial and Uncle Tom's Hall in Orlando West, Soweto. Reflecting on the historical significance of the uprisings, renowned activist Seth Mazibuko, who is one of the few remaining faces of the uprising, announced plans from his foundation to commemorate the pivotal moment in South Africa's Struggle for freedom. Activities will include a significant march involving eight schools that participated in the uprising, as well as the unveiling of "50 untold stories of June 16". "Indeed, there will be a march that will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the June 16 uprising, which will involve eight schools that took part in the uprisings. There is also a plan to launch the 50 untold stories of June 16, which will be stories told by some of the unsung heroes of the June 16 massacre. These include people who are not necessarily from Soweto but other parts of the province and country," Mazibuko said. Speaking to the media ahead of the launch programme, Chikunga said preparations for the celebration, developing a skilled South African youth, is an important aspect of ensuring that young people feel included in the skills and economic endeavours to ensure they are well-prepared for the future. "What we are going to be doing, from June this year to June next year, is to look at skills development for the future because some of the current skills may become redundant. We need to revitalise some of the skills so that young people with skills that are no longer in demand in terms of the market need, something can be done for those individuals . We have all these companies that are here who are displaying and exhibiting what they can do for young people," she stated. The minister's sentiments were echoed by Morero, who stressed the importance of improving the city's economy in order to create jobs and business opportunities for young people. "The generation of 1976 fought so that you and I can be free, so that we can celebrate free education in our lifetime, and we must ensure that education is free in the true sense of the word so that we can empower future generations and ensure that we have the necessary skills for young people to contribute to economic growth and generate economic growth for South Africa," Morero stated. [email protected]
Mail & Guardian
5 hours ago
- Mail & Guardian
Born Free: Hunger is Political
In this week's episode, Khumo Kumalo and Otsile Nkadimeng sit down with Gauteng MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa to unpack the shifting landscape of South African politics. From President Ramaphosa's recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump to the realities young people face on the ground, this is a timely and unfiltered conversation. As Youth Month begins, we confront the hard questions: 🔹 Why are so many young South Africans still unemployed? 🔹 Why do barriers to voting persist in a democracy built on freedom? 🔹 How can youth reclaim their agency in a political system that often sidelines them? This episode is more than a political chat—it's a call to action. If you're young, concerned, and ready to shape your future, this one's for you. #BornFree #YouthMonth #SouthAfrica #Politics #Unemployment #GenerationNow #MGPodcasts Khumo Kumalo is the visionary behind Misunderstood and the dynamic co-host of Born Free . Named one of the Mail & Guardian's Top 200 Young South Africans of 2024 , he is a bold voice in the country's evolving political discourse. As the author of Newsletter 94 (formerly Misunderstood), Kumalo delves into South Africa's complex history and shifting political landscape, reflecting on the dreams and realities of a post-apartheid nation. His passion for debate and current affairs was ignited at St John's College , later taking him to Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia , where he continued to sharpen his perspective on leadership and social change. Kumalo isn't just asking questions—he's challenging narratives, sparking conversations, and pushing South Africa's youth to rethink what it truly means to be Born Free . Otsile Nkadimeng is a published author, policy writer, and changemaker , balancing his role as a second-year university student with a deep commitment to youth empowerment. Recognized by News24 for his impact and awarded the Young Nelson Mandela Award in 2023 , he is shaping conversations on democracy, governance, and sustainability. As the Executive Director of SoWeVote , a platform he co-founded, Nkadimeng is making it easier for young South Africans to access critical information about politics and democracy. His advocacy extends beyond borders—he serves as a Youth Advisor to the Embassy of Sweden in Pretoria and is a fellow at the International Youth Think Tank , where he contributes to global youth policy discussions. Passionate about sustainability, he has co-founded and led multiple initiatives aimed at environmental and social progress across South Africa. Whether in civic engagement, international diplomacy, or grassroots activism, Nkadimeng is at the forefront of youth-led change, proving that young voices aren't just part of the conversation—they're leading it. Disclaimer: 'Born Free' is an opinion-based podcast and does not represent the views of M&G Media (PTY) LTD, its owners, affiliates, employees, or partners. The opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not reflect the editorial stance of the Mail & Guardian.
IOL News
8 hours ago
- IOL News
South African public servants, aged 35 and under face career growth barriers
There are 347,000 public servants aged 35 and younger in South Africa but systemic barriers are blocking their career growth. Image: Pexels More than 347,000 public servants, aged between 31 and 35, are employed in South Africa's public service, accounting for 27% of the government workforce but systemic issues are blocking their long-term career growth. This emerged during a briefing to the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration on Tuesday. The committee heard from the Department of Public Service and Administration and the Public Service Commission (PSC) as part of Youth Month engagements focused on strengthening youth development in the state. While the department noted the significant representation of younger people in administrative, finance, supply chain, and technical roles, with women forming the majority, the committee raised alarm over the low absorption of interns and short-term placements that offer little in terms of skills recognition or career advancement. "Short-term placements without certification or skills recognition do not constitute meaningful empowerment,' the committee noted. A major concern raised was the budget constraints that limit the creation of posts for youth, and the practice of assigning interns to unrelated, menial tasks with little supervision. Committee members also flagged nepotism in placements and the lack of formal exit interviews to assess programme impact. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading To address these challenges, the department is developing a policy to introduce a voluntary early retirement scheme. This would allow older public servants to leave without financial penalties, thereby creating space for younger recruits. The department will also enforce youth hiring targets in departmental performance plans and scale up partnerships. Committee chairperson, Jan de Villiers, said, "Today's presentations reflected the dual importance of efficient leave management and purposeful youth development; it is not just about employing young people; it is about creating developmental pathways for them to grow within the public sector." The committee also scrutinised the PSC's report on leave utilisation from 2020 to 2023. It revealed that capped leave, days that accrued before July 2000 now stands as a R16 billion liability, mostly within the health and education sectors. The PSC warned this liability will continue to grow due to inflation and salary increases. Members also raised concerns about high levels of sick and incapacity leave and unequal access to study leave, with senior managers often benefiting more than lower-level staff such as cleaners and clerical workers. They called for improved transparency in recruitment and leave oversight, and better demographic data to inform workforce planning. THE MERCURY
