Khaya Arts Seeks City Approval to Revamp Rehearsal Space

Bulawayo-based award-winning dance group, Khaya Arts, has requested city authorities to grant permission for renovations at its rehearsal space. The move follows the group’s historic victory at the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama), where they scooped two awards—Best Choreography and Best Group—marking a milestone as the first Bulawayo dance group to achieve such recognition.

Khaya Arts director, Future Dube, revealed that the group has sponsors willing to fund the refurbishment of their practice space, which currently lacks essential infrastructure.

“We have got a lot of friends who are willing to help us spruce up the place because it’s an open space. We want to cover it with a roof so that it can be used throughout the year. As it stands, when it rains or gets too hot, we can’t use it,” Dube said.

He noted that since winning the awards, the group has received numerous visitors and interview requests, but the current state of their rehearsal space does not create a good impression.

“We are having a lot of people coming to see who Khaya Arts is, and many are coming to interview us. If they find the place in a dilapidated state, it does not reflect well on Bulawayo,” he added.

The group, which operates from Tshabalala Youth Arena, has been using the abandoned space for both junior and senior dance teams, as well as community activities.

“We’ve done our best to revamp the place because we have around 40 dancers—20 juniors and 20 seniors—actively using it. Additionally, we have opened it for residents, residents’ associations, and Tshabalala Old School meetings,” Dube explained.

Ward 21 councillor, Tinevimbo Maposa, commended the group for its positive impact on the community, not only in the arts but also in sports.

“They have employed young people and nurtured young talent in both arts and sports. They even have a netball team that is doing well. Such initiatives have played a crucial role in addressing drug abuse, which is rampant in our community and the country at large,” Maposa said.

He further emphasized the need for city authorities and other stakeholders to support the group’s initiative.

“Every weekend, many young people participate in arts training and sports activities through Khaya Arts. However, Tshabalala Youth Arena needs serious revamping. We appeal to the council and other stakeholders to assist in upgrading the facility.”

Maposa echoed the group’s vision, highlighting that investing in such projects would contribute to cultural preservation for future generations.