“I would rather walk the streets of Crossroads naked than seeing this group dying down,” this is how Loyiso Casiwe summed up his love and passion for Imbumba Cross Dancers, one of many groups that will take part in this year’s Cape Town Carnival on Saturday 21 March.
Over 1 500 performers will showcase their talent under the theme “Follow Your HeART” on the Green Point Fan Walk in an explosion of colour and entertainment during the 16th edition of the carnival.
Casiwe, one of the lead dancers at the annual carnival, endured many years of heartache and hatred before his elevation to the top of this yearly spectacle. And he attributes his resilience and rise to his former teacher and mentor Nolufefe Racula.
The 22-year-old joined a group of young dancers while he was a learner at Qingqa Mntwana Primary School at Old Crossroads under the guidance of Racula who honed his dance moves and skills.
Little did he know that this would draw the ire of certain community members.
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“People hated me and I was even called a ‘moffie’,” he tells People’s Post.
These did not deter his focus as he tirelessly strived to be the best at dancing.
Today he is the beacon of hope to many young people in his community.
“Now everyone loves me. Most people want to be part of the group,” he says, explaining that he works with 60 young people between the ages of 11 and 18. The dancers are now preparing for this year’s festival on Saturday 21 March.
“We encourage the children, especially the boys, to remain humble and be confident in themselves. For instance, at my age I still wash dishes at home and most of them think I am lying when I tell them that. Crime will always be there, but there is certainly change in our community” explains Casiwe who shares a house with his mother, grandmother and five siblings.
“There is also unity among all our members and you can see that they choose their friends carefully.”
Despite his resilience and fighting spirit, challenges remain.
Casiwe says while their focus is always on the Cape Town Carnival, they also perform at community events.
“Most of the children do not have means to buy clothes for our performances and I have to buy for them from the little money I make from my part-time jobs.
“Last year, I bought them T-shirts to participate in local events,” he says, expressing gratitude to the carnival organisers for supporting the group annually to participate in the event.
“They support us with the clothes and that is where we get to see people from other nations,” he explains but calls for “supporters” to ensure the group continues its work in society.
Explaining the motive behind the group, Racula tells People’s Post that she grew up in a family that loved music. She also pays homage to her mother who instructed her to remain loyal to all the children.
“I loved singing from a young age and I was inspired by my mother who was a music conductor. Before she died (in 2009), she instructed me to take care of the children and help them in music,” she says.
Racula has been part of the Cape Town Carnival since inception and has witnessed its evolution over the years. “I once danced with them, but my attire was different and a bit longer,” she says.
She praises the group for transforming children in Crossroads.
“I always avail my class to the group and I have no fears. I do not worry about anything, even if I forget my laptop in the classroom I know I will get it back the next day,” she says, expressing gratitude to Casiwe for the role he plays in narturing the dancers.
“Now I know even if I retire this group will never die. I know I’ve built a legacy. My children have really changed and influenced others.”
Novus media, which publishes People’s Post, is a proud print media sponsor of the event.
