What more suitable mode to have begun Woman’s Month than a sharing forum amongst a group of remarkable woman who’s varied CreACTive contributions to their communities continue to ignite self-belief.  This was a week-long Vision Sharing Residency constituted by the powerful presence of Khululiwe Mabanga (Mtubatuba), Khanya Sibiya (Kwa Mbonambi), Lindiwe Shabangu (Rorke’s Drift), Nomandla Nodola (Harding), Nqobekile Dlamini (Bulwer) and Mapule Motau (Lidgetton).   As usual, dynamic dialogue emanating from individual challenges as well as fulfilling impacts of being role players in empowerment carried the process through to yet another inspiration- charged end.  

 Special Celebration and Exhibition

Amongst Caversham’s many meaningful involvements of the past weeks, one highlight was being part of an astonishing function held by Creactive Catalyst, Nomandla Nodola.Despite the many pots that this virtuous woman has to tend to, amazingly they all seem under perfect control.  It is not only their enormous number,  but the distance in between these that is most impossible to imagine.  We’re talking here about the incredible role at Ulwazi CreACTive Centre, not to mention the sizzling Ingcambu Ezikile CreACTive Centre she started recently back at home in Harding, her work at Ardmore, coupled with her first love for research on the origins of her Nhlangwini tribe.  Her research findings have inspired her dream to start a museum in which these could be housed.  Explaining the motivation underpinning this vision,  Nomandla said, “My aim about my research is to keep Nhlangwini material and history for people to see and recognize.  That is why I want to open my own museum.”   The marvelous success of her present initiatives resonated at Nomandla’s function, which took place on the 19th of July at her home.  Rev Radikobo Ntsimane spoke of Nomandla’s outstanding performance whilst a student at the University of KwaZulu Natal’s visual arts department, describing her as “one person who always engages herself wholeheartedly”. The occasion  was a special celebration and exhibition of Nomandla’s work, all wrapped by a divine ceremonial event of her official return to her home area, ukubuyisa.     Caversham Centre was privileged to be part of this momentous event, where UKZN’s Prof  Juliet Dutoit, Rev. Radikobo Ntsimane, Ms Joana Duguid and Ms Sarah Whittal were joined by the Nhlangwini’s Chief Fodo Dlamini, together with a very large number of community members, to celebrate  with Nomandla. It was certainly one of the highlights in the development of the visual arts in South Africa, specifically in the rural community.  Some of Nomandla’s work has been collected by the Old Court Museum in Durban.   We watch your space, Nonkanyiso! This is a Nguni name that chief Fodo dubbed Nomandla as he applauded her endeavors.  It translates as ‘one who gives light’.   

Witty Nyide