Jail dancers enjoy rhythm of freedom
PRISONERS have been given the all-clear to perform at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival.
Groups from every province were selected with a total of 132 prisoners involved.
A traditional dance group called Imfene from the Idutywa Correctional Centre will perform for three days, starting today.
Imfene members could not be reached for comment.
But some of the prisoners from other provinces say it is exciting to do what they love to do and change other people’s lives.
Motshidisi Tiro, 39, from the North West Correctional Centre, said she joined the prison dance group in 2011.
“I love my culture and for me it feels good to teach other people about Tswana tradition.
“I am hoping through our dance that we encourage the youth of Grahamstown to embrace their culture. This is my first time in Grahamstown and it’s very exciting,” she said.
Sipho Mohaule, 39, from the Gauteng Correctional Centre, said he aimed to redefine the art of drama at the festival.
“Our drama is very educational and it has helped us a lot as prisoners. We deal with crime, bunking school and alcohol abuse.
“These are the things that lead people to commit crime.”
Guitarist Enslin Scholtz, 33, a parolee from the Mossel Bay Correctional Centre, said it felt good to be back in Grahamstown.
“I will be doing a solo act and I can’t wait to perform songs that I composed myself,” he said.
“I am ecstatic to be back because the last time I performed here was in 2013. The support from festival lovers is overwhelming.”
The performances will be between 10am and 12 noon at the Grahamstown Hall from today.