Youth in Komani dismayed after arts centre destroyed by vandals
While SA celebrates 30 years of democracy, several budding artists in Komani say they have nothing to show for it.
Their dreams have been dashed after an arts centre, once seen as a beacon of hope in the community, fell into the wrong hands.
Artists have been left in limbo after the Enoch Mgijima local municipality neglected the Queenstown Arts Centre, which has been targeted by vandals.
When the Dispatch visited the building, foul-smelling rubbish, including human waste and used condoms, was scattered everywhere.
Stripped doors, a stripped roof and broken fence indicated that the centre, which has a painting of struggle icon Chris Hani on its external wall, was in dire straits.
Enoch Mgijima falls under the Chris Hani district municipality. Hani was born in Cofimvaba, about 80km from Komani.
Soul Melodies is one of the local groups affected by the closure of the centre.
The three-member Ezibeleni band frequently fine-tuned their work and performed at the centre, memories which they treasure long after the centre shut its doors.
Sipelele Lwandle Qamngana, Ayabonga Daweti and Zuko Petelo perform a variety of genres, including pop, traditional contemporary, Afropop and Afrosoul.
Despite the setback, they are determined to make their mark in the music industry.
They described the vandalism of the art centre as a big blow for all local artists.
“We used to come here when there were events and shows,” Qamngana said.
“We had an opportunity to practise at the centre and learn from other artists.
“There were also elderly jazz artists and performers in other genres ... we learnt from them.
“At the centre, artists were equipped with knowledge on how to source funding.”
The youngsters said they hoped the centre would eventually be fixed and reopened for the benefit of all.
“We never had to worry about going elsewhere in search of greener pastures when it was still open,” Qamngana said.
The group members said they were uncertain about going to the polls on May 29.
“I don’t see myself voting because I haven’t seen any major change through the years,” Phethelo said.
Komani Protest Action (KPA) party liaison committee member Xolanjokweni said the centre had been built to showcase local artists and keep young people off the streets.
But young artists’ dreams had been shattered after the vandalism and closure of the centre.
“It was built in about 2016 and vandals targeted it in 2023,” he said.
“They have looted everything inside.
“Apparently, some people know who took some of the stuff, but nothing has happened.”
In 2023, security guards were hired, but it was too late.
“Everything had already been taken by that time,” Njokweni said.
“As you can see, it’s now a dilapidated, empty building.”
Municipal spokesperson Lonwabo Kowa said it was sad that a community facility had been vandalised by some in the same community.
The municipality had the same problem with community halls.
“The municipality is now using municipal resources which should have been used for service delivery to repair vandalised properties.
“It would be absurd to think that this municipality is dysfunctional because of vandalised facilities and inaccurate allegations.”