MARU E AFRICA PROJECT

The Institute began a small core performance troupe, along with Oupa Makwela, Harry, Khumalo & Janell Barnard as the 1st members in 2001, called "MARU E AFRICA" (meaning "The Skies of Africa"). We are a small self-sustaining organistion that uses work and performance to maintain the project. Promoting Unity in Diversity, emphasizing a strong sense of Nation - building through Youth empowerment amongst the Youth in SOWETO, and across South Africa in previously disadvantaged communities who receive:

* Free training & skill development in dance and theatrical performances,
* Meals while training,
* Paid transport to lessons & performances,
* Incentive Allowances from corporate performances

The students give incredibly lively and breathtaking performances.

The purpose of founding this organisation is to heal the hurts of our country's PAST through the medium of arts & culture - unity in diversity in practice!

We aim to hone the skills that each artist enters the organization with, and develop a cohesive, performance arts troupe that is endowed with the excel in South African Arts and Entertaiment Industry.
The troupe consists of 30+ dancers, musicians and auxiliary staff; amongst them are students and graduates in dance and music, with able project coordination in Soweto by the students themselves. We have performed around around SA and are looking to spread our wings to more areas in S.A., and to foreign shores.