(Derek
Buchler: COO, Mzala Nxumalo Centre for the Study of South African Society; Sandile
Sithole: Project Manager: Brithm Productions. Middle: Simphiwe Mdunge:
representing Colgate who will have their events truck at Imbumba, and Jennifer
Rampersad: horticulturalist from eThekwini Parks Department. Front: Stickler
“TK” Ncube: wire-art maker / visual artist and Imbumba vendor. Pic by Gabriella
Peppas)
The first day-long Imbumba Fiesta will take
place in Glenwood’s Bulwer Park on February 3 with a summer themed market, food
stalls, info stands, an open mic and sundowner
concert – all with an underlying message of encouraging good neighbourliness,
supporting underprivileged children and showcasing local artists and crafters.
Imbumba is an isiZulu language name that
means “United together in one harmony”. It is hoped the Imbumba Fiesta will
become an annual community event: “Our vision is to create a cohesive summer
celebration to promote local businesses and in so doing help the helpless and
give to the needy. Our vision is to paint the city with laughter and smiles of
the children and to unearth and promote local talents in music and arts through
an open mic platform,” says project manager, Sandile Sithole from Brithm
Productions.
The Imbumba team is looking for
stall-holders who wish to trade either food and beverages, or arts, crafts,
decor items, vintage wares and collectables and unusual gifts, clothing,
accessories and jewellery.
There will also be stalls representing
various charities, NGOs and partners to showcase the important work being done
in the community – in particular the support options for vulnerable children.
They are also looking for participants for
their Open Mic sessions which will take place from 10h00 until 14h00 – so
budding rappers, poets, singers and performance artists, you are invited to
sign-up and share your skills and talent.
The Imbumba Fiesta is a project of
Pietermaritzburg-based Mzala Nxumalo Centre for the Study of South African
Society which works to promote the legacy of social activist, thinker, orator
and writer, the late Mzala Nxumalo by focusing their research on the national
question: “What does it mean to be a nation?”
The centre has identified Glenwood as a
social microcosm of South Africa: it is a proactive neighbourhood with a
well-developed sense of community – an area which houses institutions for
vulnerable children, a revamped public park and an active community gallery,
among many attributes. Their vision is to create a fun day which brings
together families from the neighbourhood, visitors to Glenwood, but more
particularly the children, caregivers, staff and host families of the homes in
the area including St Martin’s; Durban Children’s Home and iThemba Lethu.
The event will be hosted by Brithm
Productions and supported by the Office of the Premier, eThekwini Municipality,
corporate partners, donors, sponsors and
community groups. One of the key strategic partners, Colgate, will be
bringing their events truck to the Fiesta staffed by dental care professionals
offering free dental check-ups and handing out complimentary toothpaste and
toothbrushes to children.
The KZNSA Gallery will be open – inviting
visitors to visit the gallery and shop, and also inviting visitors to enjoy
their licensed restaurant and coveted coffee!
eThekwini Parks and Recreation will be
supporting the day with a display of indigenous plants and trees and staff who
can share knowledge about indigenous gardening. They will also be starting the
day with an hour long park clean up from 08h00 to 09h00 to which the Glenwood
community is invited to attend and participate.
Entry to the day is free and all are
welcome. There will be a sundowner family-friendly music concert alongside the
gallery from 15h00 until 19h00 which will be a ticketed event – full details to
follow!
Stall-holders wanting to trade; performers
wanting a slot on the Open Mic stage or interested people wanting to become
involved with Imbumba, should contact Gabriella Peppas on
gabriella@ilifindo.com or 078 583 5517 - WhatsApp is best.
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