, it’s about passion

younger generations.” Ngwenya has been able to transform the audience of the Playhouse’s Sundowners Sessions (monthly live poetry and jazz sessions). He has worked to attract a younger audience and to break the class barriers that are associated with theatres by attracting a large number of township youths to frequent the sessions. In just one year, he has organised 17 sessions, most of which have filled the venue. He credits his experience of event organising which he acquired when he was the president of a student society for perfor mance artists at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. “It took a lot for the Playhouse Company to trust me with the Sundowners Sessions. I have to make this work and part of that requires that I maintain a loyal support base. I walk around during every show and talk to as many people as possible because I want them to understand how grateful I am for their support.” Ensuring and maintaining good relations with the people one interacts with in one’s field is not restricted to the performance arts. Part of Johns’s tasks include facilitating corporate social responsibility projects on behalf of Sappi. “I am passionate about ubuntu and my heart is in helping others. I am always touched by the people in the communities we serve who work tirelessly to empower those around them.” In pursuing contentment, one must have a clear vision. Ngwenya, who comes from Chesterville, says sometimes young people are pressured to pursue traditional careers that offer more pay and job security. He says he will never allow money to dilute his passion. “Means are very subjective, a person can forever alter that.” Pillay believes the reason he has been able to attract public suppor t is because he has devoted himself to it. “In business, or life in general, you have to be prepared to lear n. By sur rounding myself with older and wiser entrepreneurs, I have been able to develop negotiating skills, acumen and the ability to handle stress.” Johns of fers young South Africans this advice, “create opportunities for yourself. Start small, be patient but keep moving forward. “Take every opportunity that comes your way, even if it’s intimidating, believe in yourself. Find your passion and use that fire to get ahead and be noticed. Ask yourself what your brand is, what will make you stand out from the crowd. Be bold and be brave.” Mkhize believes youth possess immense abilities and capabilities. “We’re loud, liberal, and free to communicate what freedom is.” She took it upon herself to shape her command of isiZulu to meet the standards of her employer. After lear ning that her parents could not afford her university fees, she took the first job that came her way, and today occupies a mana gerial position. Ngwenya used school societies to develop his English and event co-ordinating skills. Pillay went into business knowing the kinds of challenges that awaited him. People don’t always have the same opportunities in life but character traits such as a positive attitude, preparedness to work hard, ability to seize oppor tunities and passion are all that are required to pursue your goals.