The townships have, for a long time, been viewed with a
frown because of the many negative reports which the media is always happy to
find, but the real make of our townships is yet to be projected in our media
platforms.
To its peril, the township has been featured in the media as nothing
more than a place of poverty, rape, theft, murder and what not. Only here and
there have you heard the "good side" of the township being
immortalised.
Well, that's a pity because many skeptics were left with
their jaws on the floor after this past weekend's Ikasi Experience in
Khayelitsha. The weekend of November 9, 2013 will be remembered by many as the
day upon which the dark veil of stereotype and negative perception about the
township was teared to pieces.
Local vendors - joined by an array of revelers -
mingled with business gurus, enjoyed coolies at secluded set up, got “jiggy
with it” next to the stage to DJ Sphectecular’s beats, ogled, shook head and
scratched chin at the weird and wonderful fashion outputs.
The scores of youngsters, some of whom run their own
businesses, welcomed throng musical artists, poets and other creatives who showcased
their talent at the ghetto-themed gig - crowned towards the end by
international spinster DJ Sphectecular on the main deck.
As justified as the negative perceptions about townships
in general - and Khayelitsha (Cape Town) in particular - are, those who
perpetuate these should take a second and thorough glance at iKasi and they
will see what many who refuse to leave that space are seeing.
The fact of the matter is that the townships as we know them are the power-base of local economic development and if used properly, the talent, skills, energy and creativity which lies hidden in the dark of the stereotypes, will benefit the country.
Some from the crowd had come from places like Observatory,and many other places not in Khayelitsha. But I guess what left many people in awe was the face that this particular event boasted people from all races. It was cool.
This particular event - and many others - are indicative of the potential, the ability and most of all the economic brains harbored by many in our townships. As young people, we must learn to unleash the true nature of our kind; the kind which succeeds.
I must make special mention of Vincent Manzini and Loyiso Mdebuka as among the champions of the agenda to transform townships into business destinations where excellence is a way of life. I must give a special shout out to BlackReign Communications for the monster they created.
Ikasi Rules!!!
