Laughter is the best medicine – that’s the motto of Clowns Without Borders South Africa, which brings cheer to disadvantaged communities around the country.
The group has been in King William’s Town since mid-February performing at schools and community halls for 40 surrounding villages and townships.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch yesterday, senior artist Bongekile Mabuya said their shows were fun but also had an educational element to it as they seek to address some of the social challenges faced by each community.
“We try to theme all our shows with topics such as personal hygiene or saving money or water, and as much as we love to see them smiling and laughing, we always hope that they hear our messages about these issues,” said Mabuya.
She said the organisation’s aim was to make people’s lives better in disadvantaged areas, especially when it came to children.
She believes one of the best healers of trauma is laughter.
“Laughter is said to be the best medicine, and we are just here to put that into practice,” she said.
Established in 2004, CWBSA has given more than 800 performances and arts-based workshops for over 375000 children and families.
They have worked in Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Southern Sudan, Kenya, Sweden, Lithuania, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe.
Pelisa Mpimpilatshe-Mbombo, who works with Sinovuyo Teen, a project within CWBSA that provides support and care for victims of violent crime, was tasked with identifying the schools and communities.
Her work involves her directly with communities, and this helps her identify the right schools and community halls.
“The children love these shows.
“CWBSA has done 24 shows here, and at every single one you can see the excitement and joy on their faces, which always reminds us that some of these kids have never even been to a circus, let alone seen a clown. It’s a rare opportunity and you can tell they appreciate it, and the teachers too,” she said.
Pupils from Manezi Higher Primary and Bhele Primary schools in Zwelitsha received their share of edutainment yesterday.
Grade 1 pupil Anam Maphila said: “I laughed so much.
“I especially enjoyed watching the short old man, he was funny. The whole thing was funny.”
Grade 7 pupil Khazimla Filtane said he was a bit doubtful when he saw the minimal props but he was surprised at how entertaining it turned out to be.
“It just showed that when you are good at what you do, you do not need fancy dresses and costumes, just be funny like these guys,” said Khazimla. Grade 4 pupil Lilitha Gcilitshane said that she hoped that all her schoolmates would now know the importance of bathing and keeping clean.
CWBSA’s final show will be held today and tomorrow around King William’s Town.
Their Facebook page has details of their next shows. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
Lighter side of upliftment
The group has been in King William’s Town since mid-February performing at schools and community halls for 40 surrounding villages and townships.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch yesterday, senior artist Bongekile Mabuya said their shows were fun but also had an educational element to it as they seek to address some of the social challenges faced by each community.
“We try to theme all our shows with topics such as personal hygiene or saving money or water, and as much as we love to see them smiling and laughing, we always hope that they hear our messages about these issues,” said Mabuya.
She said the organisation’s aim was to make people’s lives better in disadvantaged areas, especially when it came to children.
She believes one of the best healers of trauma is laughter.
“Laughter is said to be the best medicine, and we are just here to put that into practice,” she said.
Established in 2004, CWBSA has given more than 800 performances and arts-based workshops for over 375000 children and families.
They have worked in Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Southern Sudan, Kenya, Sweden, Lithuania, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe.
Pelisa Mpimpilatshe-Mbombo, who works with Sinovuyo Teen, a project within CWBSA that provides support and care for victims of violent crime, was tasked with identifying the schools and communities.
Her work involves her directly with communities, and this helps her identify the right schools and community halls.
“The children love these shows.
“CWBSA has done 24 shows here, and at every single one you can see the excitement and joy on their faces, which always reminds us that some of these kids have never even been to a circus, let alone seen a clown. It’s a rare opportunity and you can tell they appreciate it, and the teachers too,” she said.
Pupils from Manezi Higher Primary and Bhele Primary schools in Zwelitsha received their share of edutainment yesterday.
Grade 1 pupil Anam Maphila said: “I laughed so much.
“I especially enjoyed watching the short old man, he was funny. The whole thing was funny.”
Grade 7 pupil Khazimla Filtane said he was a bit doubtful when he saw the minimal props but he was surprised at how entertaining it turned out to be.
“It just showed that when you are good at what you do, you do not need fancy dresses and costumes, just be funny like these guys,” said Khazimla. Grade 4 pupil Lilitha Gcilitshane said that she hoped that all her schoolmates would now know the importance of bathing and keeping clean.
CWBSA’s final show will be held today and tomorrow around King William’s Town.
Their Facebook page has details of their next shows. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos