Going Wild, Going Green… Going BOS!

by Sam Pearce in November 2011 - Community Caring

This year the eMzantsi Carnival is going green in a big way! Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF), the eMzantsi intercultural community-building project is empowering youngsters across the South Peninsula to engage with environmental issues during their preparations for the eMzantsi Goes Bos! parade on Saturday 3 December.

In the first week of the eMzantsi primary school twinning programme in May, 250 Grade four to six children were given a performance of Jungle Theatre’s ‘River of Life’ to introduce them to their featured focus; the importance of water and its conservation.

As well as learning the usual drumming, drama and recycled costume-building skills with Red Zebra, Jungle Theatre and Junkanew respectively. Each twinned group also had the opportunity to take a nature walk and at the end of term, they visited Intaka Island, a wetland environmental education centre at Century City.

The kids embraced the theme with eagerness, showing particular enthusiasm for the ‘Green Haka’ that they were each challenged to create! In the parade they will follow their champion, the giant mermaid puppet Princess Mamlambo.

Listen out for them singing their water-wise carnival chants to drum rhythms: “Drip Drop, switch it off, Drip Drop, don’t waste a drop! With every splash you’re wasting cash!”

In addition to all this fun, researcher Emma Arogundade from the Intercultural and Diversity Studies Unit of SA (iNCUDISA) at UCT developed the eMzantsi Journal Project; a child-led research pilot. Three children each from Fish Hoek Primary, Marine Primary Ocean View and Ukhanyo Primary Masiphumelele came together to learn how to document the schools programme from the point of view of the children themselves. The self proclaimed ‘Amazing Creativity Kids’ took photos and interviewed their peers, and their results will be exhibited in the schools and libraries across the Peninsula.

“eMzantsi was a wonderful opportunity for me... It has changed me a lot, by becoming a journalist, learning rhythm, and learning about others culture... We mixed with other schools and learned a lot and the fun I had is unforgettable.”
- Alexis Hanekom, G4 Fish Hoek Primary.

“eMzantsi is awesome. You learn a lot of stuff… We are mixing with other schools… about like our environment and drama, art and recycle. We also make rhythms and showing how we beat sticks. I love eMzantsi. IT IS FUN!”
- Fiona Persent, G6 Marine Primary.

“The important thing on eMzantsi is to learn about taking care of the environment and how to keep Our World Green. “
- Alive Somaguda, G5 Ukhanyo Primary.

Spectators who would like to show their support for the children can park at the Sun Valley Mall and walk up Ou Kaapse Weg to the four-way junction to watch the parade progressing down the Kommetjie Road from 10am on 3 December. The stage show takes place from 12pm - 3pm on the Sun Valley green afterwards. Bring your family and enjoy the food and craft market, as well as the finals of ‘eMzantsi’s Got Talent’ MC’d by Rob van Vuuren.

See www.emzantsi.org.za or call the eMzantsi office 021 785 1515 for more information.