Sello at Dakawa, goin
Sello Maake ka Ncube went beyond his “Mr Nyathi” character on etv’s Scandal. His presence made real the isiXhosa saying that “inyathi ibuzwa kwabaphambili”.
Choice. choice, choice, choice! A number of examples that Maake ka Ncube made centred on choice.
He stressed that everyone’s success or failure depends on the choices they make.
“You must want success as badly as you do the other stupid things.”
One simple stupidity that he referred to as an example was a person walking out wearing nice clothes, but ends up getting wet because it rained and does nothing.
In another example, the same person reacts badly if water is poured on him or her, and ends up hurting or killing the person who has done that.
The consequences of that are imprisonment and a criminal record, only because of a bad choice.
He further detailed step by step numerous choices that one has to take to be a criminal and commit a crime or not, such as a choice to open a door of a car or not, to put the key in the ignition or not, to switch it on or not, and to drive away with the car or not.
Moving on, Maake ka Ncube kept everyone gripped as to why he is a national treasure.
He told a story of a tortoise that persevered despite being taunted by other animals to give up the race because it was running slowly.
“Rely on what you want, and be deaf to whatever negative things people say.”
He further made an example of a baby eager to walk but who keeps on falling.
“Believe in greatness within you, and never give up even if you sometimes fall.”
Showcasing his multi-talent, Maake ka Ncube ventured into religion and poetry:
“You’ve got attributes of parents, but the image of God.”
He emphasised everyone’s uniqueness and the will to succeed against all odds.
To nail his point home further, he quoted the famous Victorian poem Invictus, by William Ernest Henley.
For Maake ka Ncube, belief and determination is everything.
He encouraged artists to make a way for anything that they love.
“When you are grown up, you are guided by yourself until you die.”
He said that this is unlike when one is young and is dependent on parents.
He challenged them to never ever undermine the mind, as it gives everything.
Maake ka Ncube, who has been performing The House of Truth at the National Arts Festival, was facilitating an outreach programme for local artists at Dakawa Art Centre this past Sunday.
The House of Truth, based on the life of Can Themba, has been written by Grahamstownborn Siphiwo Mahala, who is fast becoming a Can Themba renowned scholar.
The drama workshop was organised by the National English Literary Museum (Nelm) in association with DSRAC Sarah Baartman District.
Ayanda Nondlwana of Via Kasi could not contain himself. “This is my fifth year of the arts festival, but it is the first time ever to see an artist of your calibre coming to meet and interact with local artists.
Thank you for your wisdom.” Nondlwana decried the fact that many established artists were ignoring local artists.
His words were echoed by Nomthandazo Krawe who came with the Malibelinye Arts and Culture group from Cradock and who had vowed not to miss such a session, as well as their first experience of the National Arts Festival, as soon as they received the invitation from Nelm.
Believe in greatness within you
• Matshoba is the Manager: Education and Public Programmes National English Literary Museum (Nelm).
SM