About us
On 16 June
2014, Gift Buqa wrote and starred in his first one-man play entitled “Picture
Frame”. This was performed at an informal shack theatre in Gamanda Street
and directed by young Isithatha Trustee, Fundile Makosi.
The play was about a regular theme of the plays written by Gift – Poverty and life in the township. The play was performed to a packed house. Gift had achieved a long held dream – his one man play. Gift Buqa passed away in on 25 July 2014. A devastating loss to all who knew and loved him.
Isithatha and the original vision is being continued by the Isithatha Board together with several of the young actors who received training from Gift. Gift is fondly remembered by all.
Shortly after Gift’s death, the Trust received news that the Cultural Tour funding had been approved by the NLC. This was closely followed by the news that the Theatre Building project was approved by NLC and Isithatha was granted the funds to acquire a building to fulfill the Isithatha vision of owning a creative space for a theatre. Isithatha is committed to continuing the project as part of Gift’s legacy and the Trust moved into a beautiful heritage building : 12, 9th Avenue, Walmer (Wood Park) on 1 August 2017, after much searching to find the perfect property. Gift was a carpenter – what an appropriate name for the theatre!
The Isithatha Board is in the process of applying for Business Rights and so all plans are on hold until we are able to open officially and legally. In the interim, the Board maintain the property, use it for meeting venues and for rehearsals. Unfortunately, no public performances can occur until all the proper procedures have been followed.
Isithatha is led by a passionate group of people who have volunteered their time and services for almost ten years.
OUR VISION
iNTEGRATING COMMUNITIES THROUGH THE ARTS
Isithatha’s mission is to bring a bright new light to a Greater Walmer encompassing Gqebera and the new developments along Victoria Drive and the Buffelsfontein Road.
We seek a radiance that will emerge from the darkness of past conflict, deprivation and ignorance and bring together people from different backgrounds who share a commitment to the arts.
We aim to promote the creation of a multi-functional facility accessible to people from both sides of the ‘Apple Express’ railway track that is suitable for all the arts, including dance, the visual arts, music and drama and that will provide:
- A workshop/performance space that serves to blend cultures and promote a unique South African brand of theatre free from segregation.
- A space suitable for small audience groups, complete with craft centre, art gallery, sculpture garden, refreshment kiosk, coffee shop and a shop for tourists.
- Rehearsal facilities for artists.
- Training programmes for playwrights, dancers, performers, musicians etc.
- Employment opportunities for artists, performers, administrative personnel, publicists, maintenance workers etc.
- A tourist destination that can generate income and where tour groups can witness various types of South African performance, exhibitions etc.
- Opportunities to preserve and share the histories and traditions of our various cultural groups through dramatic storytelling performances of the events of the past.
- Arts Festivals that promote all of Isithatha’s goals for the Greater Walmer.
- Synergy with other local and regional Arts initiatives (e.g. at the Red Location Museum complex).
- A spark to ignite enthusiasm for the arts amongst young people from schools in the greater Walmer area.
- Cooperation with other interested groups (e.g. the Apple Express Railway enthusiasts).
- Healthy entertainment for people from and beyond the Greater Walmer.