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The story of Ithongo Lethu (meaning “Our Dream”) is a testament to the resilience of a united community. Their practice space was once a community hall, but now serves as a home to local backyard dwellers. Ithongo Lethu has built a relationship with these people, who generously share their space, allowing the group to continue rehearsing. The group’s diverse repertoire includes dance forms such as pantsula, African dance and gqon, and not only do these showcase the vast talent in it; they also celebrate the rich tapestry of South African culture on display at the Cape Town Carnival.
Since its beginnings in 2017 Ithongo Lethu from Gugulethu has grown to be one of the standout additions to the Cape Town Carnival, bringing a dynamic blend of both local culture and community spirit to the forefront.
Sibusiso Sakayi, the group's founder and creative director, started Ithongo Lethu to channel his passion for dance into a force for positive change. "We started this off out of nothing," he said of the group’s early days. "And here we are today still pushing on with no funding at all. That’s just passion and the grind, man."
The story of Ithongo Lethu (meaning “Our Dream”) is a testament to the resilience of a united community. Their practice space was once a community hall, but now serves as a home to local backyard dwellers. Ithongo Lethu has built a relationship with these people, who generously share their space, allowing the group to continue rehearsing. The group’s diverse repertoire includes dance forms such as pantsula, African dance and gqon, and not only do these showcase the vast talent in it; they also celebrate the rich tapestry of South African culture on display at the Cape Town Carnival.
Ithongo Lethu also gave a dance demonstration outside in the street in front of a wall with the words “Peace Zone” spraypainted across it. It took barely a minute for residents to pop their heads over their walls for a curious peek, and for passersby to stop and watch in awe. Within seconds every face was glowing with a beautiful smile.
Sibusiso spoke a lot about the Cape Town Carnival and what it meant to him and Ithongo Lethu. A carnival is so much more than an event for many of these young performers; it is a manifestation of dreams formed on the sidelines of the very streets that they are soon to dance on. For Sibusiso realised his dream in this very way. His journey has so far taken him from spectator to performer, to group leader and now performance facilitator working with groups all over the Western Cape in preparation for Carnival 2024.
All you have to do is look into Sibusiso’s eyes to see a whole world of hardship, triumph, passion and deep care for the community. It's never just been about the performances. Ithongo Lethu provides a safe haven for the local youth, giving them an escape from the streets and a platform from which to express themselves and grow as individuals. Sibusiso emphasises the need for support from both the community and the parents in nurturing these young talents. "Dancers need care," he said, highlighting the basic practical needs that often go unnoticed but play a crucial role in aiding one’s growth and development. He speaks of simple things such as a pair of shoes to dance or a bottle to carry water in - yet these symbolise a broader vision of caring for young talents.
As they prepare for the 2024 Carnival, Ithongo Lethu is eager to set the streets of Cape Town ablaze with its exceptional talent and passion. "It’s been a good journey, and we are looking forward to killing the Cape Town Carnival 2024," Sibusiso states as a smile lights up his face.
In a way, Ithongo Lethu's story is a microcosm of what makes the Cape Town Carnival special - a celebration of our diversity, a blend of past and present, and a beacon of hope and unity for the future. From the streets of Gugulethu to the grand stage of the Carnival they carry with them not just the rhythm of their dances, but the heartbeat of a community poised and destined to make its mark.
