Last week the Hourglass Process traveled to Lidgetton, to work with a group of  elderly women, the Gogos, at Ulwazi CreACTive Centre, a space that is usually occupied by the youngsters from of the community.  Entitled Ikhambi (a herb), this initiative is an offspring of Ulwazi that engages these custodians as a vital segment of a whole, and aims at “bridging the prevailing gap between the youth and the elderly and also to pass on a gift as a legacy to the community”, as Gabisile Nkosi puts it.  

The first element was set in motion with the idea of a ‘garden’, a metaphorical medium of cultivation, transformation and existence.  The process does not only focus on the wealth of symbolism presented by the synergy between the meditative, recreational connotations and the everyday activity that generates sustenance, but the activity as the common area of passion amongst the group. This shared zeal was evidenced by animated expressions, a wealth of wisdom and invaluable mentorship within the group as each made marks on the therapeutic surface. Thanks to Dr Ndlovu (a local traditional healer) for his voluntary input on Friday and to the Jabula Combined School’s staff for their hospitality, as well as Peter’s Gate( herb nursery).   The Gogos eagerly look forward to the next element that will resume on the 5^th of May.

Witty Nyide