The Sunday News
MZILIKAZI, Gifford, and Eveline High Schools continued their dominance in the Isiphiwo Sami Talent Search. As in the previous year the schools came first, second and third respectively. The dominance of the three schools has not been limited to this competition alone but has spread to Intwasa/Plan High Schools Drama Competition and the National Association of Secondary School Heads (Nash) one as well.
Over 30 schools participated during this year’s 8th edition of Isiphiwo Sami Talent Search whose theme was Children’s Spaces: Whose responsibility? Throughout the history of this competition this year’s theme was by far the most interesting and the most relevant to students and the school space. This was evident in the pieces put forward for the competition.
Hopefully, this debate around children’s spaces will be taken to other platforms, with parents and other stakeholders involved too.
From the 13 schools that made it to the finals it was obvious that competition in schools is getting tough. Standards are rising with each competition. In the past the gap between the winning school and others was so huge, but not anymore. Now more schools are genuinely competing for the top prize. The acting, directing and even staging is getting better with each year.
A few interesting things about the three winning schools’ presentations. On first position was Mzilikazi High. Since Sandisisizwe Bhebhe took over the school drama club Mzilikazi has come up with its own style of presentation which has pushed the levels of the competition. Bhebhe is a visual person. His theatre concepts are based on shock and spectacle. His visuals always leave a lasting impression on his audience. During the Isiphiwo Sami Talent Search Finals he brought a goblin on stage via the roof, horror like he had birds flying on stage and the audience went totally crazy. Gifford High’s strength lies in acting. Bridget Sayers and her boys are just good character actors. When the boys take on characters they are so believable.
The strength of the drama club lies in its ensemble work. Thabani Moyo and Eveline Girls are famed for their eye for good stories. This time they had one of their best children’s stories around the theme. A rural girl who comes to the city and gets a taste of cyber bullying from classmates. Told through music, dance and dialogue it was a captivating story. There were other notable presentations that in my own view could have walked away with any award. Sizane High had a very good story about bullying. One of the best stories in the competition. Northlea and St James High also put up very good performances.
Speaking on the day of the finals, the guest of honour, Mrs Siphathisiwe Ncube, who is also Nash’s head in charge of drama in the province said, “Arts education aids students in skills needed in the workplace; flexibility, the ability to solve problems and communicate, the ability to learn new skills, to be creative and innovative, and to strive for excellence. Therefore, a broad education in the arts helps give children a better understanding of their world.
“We have seen the important role played by drama as a tool for social transformation through presentation of different themes by students over the years and today’s theme — Children’s Spaces: Whose Responsibility is very befitting as it appeals to the current generation. Who is responsible for the safe spaces our children need? How do we make our children safe even if they are away from parental guidance? How do we make cyber spaces safe for our children?
“As parents we are never there, we need to work for our children to survive. Children also no longer respect their parents but now believe in peer group socialisation that unfortunately leads to drug abuse, alcoholism and premarital sex.” In her speech the guest of honour acknowledged the need to constantly engage young people, challenging them to speak out on issues affecting them.
In conclusion we congratulate Mzilikazi High, Eveline Girls High and Gifford Boys for once again taking top prizes during the Isiphiwo Sami Talent Search.
