UKZN Alumnus Does Her Bit towards Society’s Betterment

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UKZN African Music and Dance alumnus, Ms Thabile Buthelezi, is hosting a series of monthly dialogues and round table discussions aimed at the “betterment of society”.

Buthelezi recently created the Thabile Buthelezi Foundation which is a community development project to ‘improve the preservation measurements of South Africa’s intangible cultural heritage through progressive, innovative initiatives.’

As part of her endeavours, Buthelezi is hosting “Woke Queen” seminars which are monthly dialogues and round table discussions open to the public which also serve as fundraising initiatives for her Foundation. “Woke Queen TV” is the name of Buthelezi’s YouTube Channel through which the dialogues are tabled.

Each session showcases speakers who will present on various subjects that aim to contribute to the betterment of society. The sessions involve information dissemination and capacity building programmes for participants to gain “tangible and intangible resources”. 

Buthelezi says the seminars are relevant to students as they are created and developed for the youth and community engagement. ‘The idea came from posts and topics I deal with on my social media account and realising the impact I was making. I saw a need for such dialogues so the youth can find solutions to their challenges and seek advice from others who are well informed on relevant topics,’ she said. 

The first seminar which focuses on Empowerment Through Education will be held at the Howard College Theatre from 11h00 on 30 June. Entrance costs R100 while the price of VIP tickets (includes a goodie bag) is R200.

Said Buthelezi, ‘This seminar is co-ordinated for the benefit of the youth as it is Youth Month in South Africa.’

Speakers include Ntokozo Sbo Qwabe, Oxford Fellow; Thobeka Ndlovu, Career Development Coach; Akhona Sikutshwa, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science; Dr Sanele Gift Mncube who has a PhD in Biochemistry; and Dr Darlington Tshuma who has a PhD in Public Administration (Peace Studies). 

The seminar series will also feature on Woke Queen TV. ‘I am currently recruiting students in the field of videography to partner with me on this project. The YouTube channel will focus on the great things South Africa has to offer such as music, dance and beautiful destinations,’ said Buthelezi.

She advised other students to maximise their potential. ‘Start creating opportunities for yourself. Work on projects and your vision while at university, don’t wait for graduation. This will give you the opportunity to create a portfolio of initiatives to present when facing potential investors or employers,’ she said. 

Words: Melissa Mungroo 

Photograph: Thabile Buthelezi