TO THE POINT

Art schools must not fade away

THESE sentiments follow Ronnie Govender’s open letter to the Council for Higher Education to recognise Nanda Sooben’s Centre for Fine Art and Design School.

The art of writing and reading is being eroded internationally. Libraries are now largely reduced to study centres during exams. Cinemas like the original Nouveau at Gateway have been absorbed into the mainstream. Few daily newspapers carry regular cartoons.

Schools, universities and education departments have fallen victim to some mysterious alien force committed to wiping all forms of art, music and drama from the face of the earth.

Art degrees do not have much value, but many entrepreneurs rely on artistic skills to survive.

Nathi Ngubane, in spite of suffering serious visual impairment, was able to achieve as a cartoonist, mainly because of encouragement from the Open Air School and a bursary by Sooben.

Art schools should not be allowed to fade away… classic arts have had a moderating influence on the psyche.

Those arguing that art does not pay bills should consider the extent to which science and technology have helped to reduce unemployment.

EBRAHIM ESSA

Durban

Thanks, Verulam, for your kindness

ON BEHALF of my mother, brother and myself, I want to thank the community of Verulam for granting my father, the late

Ben Maharaj of Olivine Road, the honour of your kindness.

From the informal lift club that was in action whenever someone spotted him walking, to the kind person who often brought us a loaf of bread.

Many people went out of their way to ensure he always reached his destination safely.

The actions of the entire community are too numerous to mention, so all I can say is that each day you touched my dad’s life. Your kindness was a divine gift from each of you to him.

The Verulam community showed a spirit of togetherness in assisting one elderly gentleman in his daily traverses through this life.

ANIRA SINGH Verulam

The sari represents India’s rich culture

THE front page of the Sunday Tribune Herald last week – “Sari splendour” – showed how elegant our ladies are in a sari.

The Sari Stroll is once again upon us. Our traditional wear is so elegant and we must be proud of our rich culture. When the sari is worn, it brings dignity. We, as residents of Durban, must be proud as we are the only city in the world to stage an event of this nature each year.

Special thanks to Natalie Lange and Kamlesh Gounden for their initiative as the brains behind the Sari Stroll, which has been very successful since its inception in 2010. It will be a colourful and much talked about event on the KZN calendar.

The sari has been worn in

India since 2000BC. As parents and elders, it is our duty to direct our children to a rich culture.

The organisers must encourage our youth to get involved in these opportunities to celebrate our culture, drive unity and preserve our values. Well done, Kamlesh and Natalie. We are proud of you.

DHAYALAN MOODLEY Mobeni Heights