Nyeleti Majuba’s father gave her a name that means ‘morning star’ – a name representing the brilliant light shining in the night.
She is the second child of Kuki Mnisi and Gabriel Majuba, born and raised in Kwa-Thema. Majuba founded Gauteng Art for Public Schools in 2021 after noticing the absence of awards for arts and culture when she taught at Wendywood Primary School in 2014.
The NGO aims to provide a platform for creative children in public schools, offering consistent activities in the arts to help them earn end-of-year awards.
“Our mission is to enable children to conceptualise, create, showcase, and be recognised for their talents from a young age.
“We emphasise the importance of parental support for creative children, recognising that not all children excel academically or in sports,” Majuba explained.
The NGO caters to 18 primary schools in the Gauteng East district, six in the Johannesburg district, and five high schools in Ekurhuleni south.
They have hosted 28 festivals for visual arts, dance, music, and drama, six teacher workshops, and excursions to galleries and art fairs for teachers and learners.
“With support from the Nedbank Foundation and the Stevenson Art Gallery, we also donated 12 art material boxes to participating schools,” Majuba said.
ALSO READ: Kgopotso wins emerging young leader award
She revealed that growing up in a family comprising women teachers, nurses, and businesspeople inspired her to serve the greater community.
“My mother instilled in us the value of giving back. She would buy us new clothes and have us donate our old ones to children in need.
“After Sabbath, we would prepare extra plates for visitors and passersby. This upbringing ingrained in me the importance of generosity and community service,” she said.
Her schooling career began at Sakhelwe Primary School, and then she moved to Dr Johan Jurgens High School.
She then earned her bachelor’s in education from Wits University, where she specialised in early childhood development and foundation education.
“Teaching has always been my calling, evident from my childhood role-playing as a teacher with my siblings and cousins at Gogo Mnisi’s house. My playful spirit and understanding nature make me well-suited to teach young children,” she said warmly.
She detailed the original story behind her love of art, citing that growing up, she would express herself through drawings.
Majuba’s childhood home was full of interesting furniture and ornaments. She described the house as a colourful place filled with art pieces her mother always kept.
ALSO READ: There’s more than meets the eye in an optometry career
“In high school, my life skills and creative arts teacher, Mrs Koen, nurtured my love for visual arts and the creative community. Her encouragement helped me find my voice and build a community of friends who shared my passion for art,” she reminisced.
Her NGO addresses social issues through art, such as their exhibition – Cultivating Self-Confidence to Combat Bullying.
This year, they are exploring the theme ‘Stand Up for Others, Don’t Be a Bystander’, which promotes positive actions and dialogue among learners to make schools safer.
Her goal is to see more support for the arts from parents and the community. She encouraged parents to attend festivals, assemblies, and award ceremonies to show their children their artistic talents are valued and worth pursuing.
Her life story pays homage to women from her family and community who have supported her passion and played a vital role in her development.
“As women, we should support and be kind to each other. Be the change you want to see in the world. If you have an idea that can serve your community, don’t wait for funding or approval. Just start with what you have, even if it is just your hands to pick up litter in your street,” she said.
