Seriti sa Basadi: A Joyful Celebration

On the 25th August 2019,it was a day of joyful celebration at the Sibikwa Arts Centre. Seriti sa Basadi brought together women of all ages and from all walks of life to celebrate their ‘womanhood’ through music, dance, storytelling, motivational talks and various health and wellness demonstrations. Connie Chiume, celebrated film and TV actress and ex Sibikwa Board member, welcomed everyone in the morning and set a warm tone for the day. She was followed by Zoleka Mcira of the Ekurhuleni Fire Fighting Department in Benoni, who spoke about safety in the home. The programme then focussed on women’s wellbeing with a make–up demonstration by Shokie from Shokie’s Beauty Salon in Rynfield; a talk on healthy eating by Herbalife representatives; and an energized Zumba demonstration where all the members of the audience stood up and moved to the beat. The morning ended with bestselling author, Jackie Phamotse, recounting her life story, which brought many women in the audience to tears. The MC for the morning session was Bongiwe Ngidi, a Sibikwa graduate currently studying at the University of Pretoria. During the lunch break the ladies were pampered with free hand and neck massages and further beauty tips. The afternoon programme was more focused on theatre performances. Audiences were led into the theatre with an evocative dance piece in the foyer by Joint Minds. The MC for the afternoon session was well-known radio presenter Khanyi Magubane. The afternoon began with a bang! Young dancers from P&P Dance Rhythms performed a dynamic hip hop dance, followed by the smooth jazz sounds of award-winning singer and guitarist Zoë Modiga. The afternoon unfolded with a story told by Faith Busika in Sotho, a comedy set by Stella Dlangalala in Zulu, thought-provoking poetry by Wazi Kunene and the explosive sound of Saxy Sthe singing popular songs that evoked the audience to spontaneously sing along and join her on stage to dance with her. The day concluded with a surprise item on the programme by the all-male SkotsiFontain dance group, who presented a Chippendale-type dance routine. All of the 150 women who were present experienced an incredible day of tears, laughter, joy and pride in being women.