Duduza – Arts Unite was established in March 2013 and registered as an NPO in September 2016.
Mandla Maseko (32) founded the NPO to identify, develop and expose the hidden talents of young artists from around Kwatsaduza and Gauteng.
Arts Unite has developed a musical production called Khomanani Ngezomdabu, which aims to create job opportunities for young performing artists around Kwatsaduza.
The organisation hosted auditions for local performing artists on July 4. The shortlisted artists will form part of the production that will tour all the regions in Gauteng.
Maseko said khomanani ngezomdabu is a Tsonga and Zulu expression meaning “unity in our cultural diversity”.
“The Khomanani Ngezomdabu musical production was developed in 2019 and first performed in 2021 by a small cast of 10 people.
“It is a musical theatre piece that celebrates African culture while honouring resilience and unity through varied experiences and narratives set against the backdrop of SA’s socio-economic challenges.
“It is a homage to the tenacious human spirit, a call to justice, and a celebration of SA’s diverse cultural history,” he said.
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Maseko said the auditions are conducted in one day, and callbacks will follow.
“Those with potential will be called back for the second phase of the audition. Selected individuals who succeed at the second phase will be hired to perform the production on a two-month tour around Gauteng,” said Maseko.
He said the auditions had no age restriction, but the focus would be on individuals who are unemployed and not scholars.
Maseko added that the National Lotteries Commission funded the production, and the organisation is still trying to get more stakeholders on board.
