Community Dancers Thrill Safari Guests

17Apr

Community Updates

community, kariega foundation

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A group of young dancers from Ekuphumleni, a local community near to Kariega Game Reserve, have been thrilling Kariega Main Lodge guests with their African rhythms and beautiful voices during our outdoor boma evenings.

The community dancing group is called ‘Indoni Ezenthe’ in isiXhosa, which means ‘The Girls.’ The dancers first came together a few years ago to perform at a Dancing For Rhinos fundraiser in Kenton-on-Sea. The group so enjoyed the experience that they have been dancing together ever since.

Kariega Foundation Supports Community Dancers

The Kariega Foundation, in collaboration with Kariega Game Reserve, is delighted to facilitate the opportunity for this group to sing and dance for Main Lodge guests on boma nights. The Foundation ensures that the dancers are safely transported and chaperoned to the reserve and home again for each performance.

In addition, the performers earn their annual school uniforms and sports kits as well as their monthly toiletries. The opportunity for these young women use their talents to support themselves is hugely empowering.

The group is directed by Nomawethu Ngangqu, who is also the Kariega Foundation’s Community coordinator. Noma and the young ladies made the costumes themselves, another testament to their talent and dedication.

Read more about the Kariega Foundation Youth Development projects. These projects are made possible by funds received from safari guests via the Kariega Foundation Community and Conservation levy. 

The group love performing for Main Lodge guests at boma evenings. Noma describes how the guests, children and adults alike, join in with the dancers and create an incredibly joyous vibe! Using their talents to earn funds and support themselves gives these young girls a tremendous sense of self-pride.

Did you enjoy the boma dancers while staying with us at Main Lodge? Please share any images and comments with us on our Facebook page, via Twitter or Instagram. We also welcome your comments on our blog.