Research Process
Established in 2023 the program trained 13 local community members as researchers to conduct interviews, the researchers comprised of men, women and youth. They were paired with 15 elders and traditional custom and council custodians who acted as Knowledge Producers from five villages in Peddie (eNgqushwa)
Knowledge Producers
1. Vuyiswa Belu
2. Zingiswa Gomi
3. Mzwameli Kasper
4. Kuthele Kunjuzwa
5. Kaya Mahlakahlaka
6. Livingstone Mahlelehlele
7. Ndzima Mahlelehlele*
8. Ntsikelelo Makohliso
9. Nombulelo Mgibe
10. Zukisa Ndwayana
11. Nothobile Nqawe
12. Nkosana Ntanga
13. Fundile Situnda
14. Mgwagwa Wababa
15. Lindile Xaliphi
* Mr Ndzima Mahlelehlele was the oldest Knowledge Producer at 94 years of age during participation
(2023)
Researchers
1. Ntomboxolo Bungcu
2. Sikelelwa Camagu
3. Anele Futshane
4. Ayabonga Jijana
5. Mtetuvumile Mahlakahlaka
6. Madlingozi Mava
7. Mayibongwe Mbali
8. Asanele Mbulawa
9. Asanda Mntwini
10. Olona Nkomonde
11. Asemahle Ntlokwana
12. Ayabonga Situnda*
13. Sixolile Zantsi
*Ayabonga Situnda was the youngest Researcher at 20 years of age at the time of participation (2023)
Dramatization
Data collected through research was workshopped into a stage drama play with Nomakrestu Xakatugaga guiding the process as dramaturge and music composer.
Realization
The stage play was performed locally at Kwa Ngquma Community Hall and at the National Arts
Festival (2024) in Makhanda, South Africa. The play was casted by local community members for whom it was their was their first time acting.
Nomakrestu Xakathugaga is an indigenous contemporary African musician, vocalist, and performer known for her use of traditional instruments like the uhadi and the art of umngqokolo (throat singing). Her work has featured in acclaimed theatre productions such as Ityala Lamawele, The Native Who Caused All the Trouble, and iKrele Le Chiza. As an actress, she won the Zabalaza Best Actress Award for her lead role in The Holy Plan...B. She has collaborated with Lingua Franca poetry collective locally and internationally and has been performing her own live music shows since 2014. Notable performances include Untitled (Friche la Belle de Mai Festival, France), Dance Can Dance, and Kingdom of Ubuntu: The Musical.