Edzani Nephalela
Teenage pregnancy, substance abuse and unemployment are some of the challenges encountered by the South African youth in different spheres of their communities, but since 2011, Hammanskraal Temba youngsters have shifted to a different dimension.
Temba residents, Mr Thabiso Kgapola and Ms Margaret Matlala, started an initiative to curb these challenges and keep the youngsters off the streets. “Trupa” as it’s called, is a traditional drum dance that young people dance and showcase talent. Reagile Trupa was launched in December 2011 with a total number of 26 children from the age of 10.
“When kids are done with exams, they engage in alcohol consumption and many other activities that are heart wrecking for any parent, so we decided to start Trupa which will shift their focus in order that they will not have time to go drinking. Though we do not have funding, we took the first step when we bought the drums and uniform for the kids, “Ms Matlala said.
Lack of funding or sponsors did not shut the duo’s dream of changing their community and today Reagile Trupa has a total of 65 children who gather at the Matlala gate from December to January to practice their dances.
This initiative is not only a talent showcasing platform, but also encourages the importance of education, helps boost self-confidence and teaches discipline amongst the children.
So far, Hammanskraal has 2 Trupa groups which are Temba and Marokolong. Their future plan includes growth of this initiative.
“We want to see every section in our area having their own group because some children have to travel about 4-5kms to come practice with the other kids. This would also help us to be able to host competitions for our children,” Mr Kgapola explained.
Six year old Reagile Matlala expressed her feelings towards this initiative as “awesome”.
With proper funding, Reagile Trupa will be hosting their event on December 27, 2015 and invite other Trupas from all around Gauteng to paticipate.
Mr Thabiso Kgapola, the founder of Reagile Trupa in his Trupa regalia
