Programmes
African artistry and storytelling reimagined.
Our programmes are tailored to provide cultural exposure and learning opportunities at different scales for storytellers, thinkers and makers.
Signatures Words
Discover SignatureWords, where the signatures of Soweto’s youth are revealed through poetry, storytelling and cultural expressions that echo our past and vibrant future.
Dialogues and Thought pieces
Every year, memories, stories and experiences gather together under the embrace of Sandis’ Ubuntu. Led by talented and aspiring writers and creatives, these narratives are carefully woven into a dialogue of engaging dialogues, providing a meaningful platform for sharing and reflection.
Reading and Writing Programme
Through consistent engagement & guidance, children are encouraged to write their own stories, curate imaginative vision boards and interpret the world of storytelling in their own unique voice.
Sign Language Programme
Our Sign Language Programme is designed to unite youths from diverse backgrounds, through the power of gestures & dynamic movements that foster unity and connection.
Brief
During the launch of the Paint-A-Bin Women’s Month Pillow Talk, we aimed to create an environment where women could comfortably share their daily experiences. We recognised the need for a strategic initiative to unite the community and empower one another through the resources available within the art community. Consequently, we were inspired to host an annual event named “Paint A Bin Bonfire.” This concept is designed to establish an edutainment space for the community to discuss the challenges faced by women and other individuals in society. Additionally, the event offers local performers an opportunity to showcase their work while integrating elements of healing.
Paint A Bin Bonfire 2023
“The dead do not die; they wait for you to stop being afraid.” The event saw members of the community celebrate their authenticity under live music and poetry by Makhafula Vilakazi. The event saw participants wearing masks, which were later burnt as part of revealing one’s real identity, which they hide from society. The idea behind the wearing of masks was to ask questions regarding a person’s hidden abilities. We asked the following: Is it not an escapism to hide the pain we face daily? Is it not a facade put up for the outside world and yet destroying the inner us? A facade that shows smiles and laughter. A facade that shows strength and masculinity. A facade that sells lies to our own identities. A facade that misleads beings into thinking that they are ok, when in fact they are not. A facade that causes society to normalise the atrocious acts of rape, gender-based violence, oppression, racism, and crime. A facade that covers our true pains and identities in the name of making others comfortable. A facade that sells a lie to the outside world and, better yet, a bigger lie to one’s soul. A facade that captures the bigger us into smaller cages. A facade that is slowly killing us. Bit by bit. Are we not weary? Are we not weary of carrying the burdened masks in every space? Are we not sick and tired of showing the world false identities that slowly rip off our souls? Are we just not tired of pretending to others and selling lies about our well-being? Are we just not tired of the mask? The mask is our enemy. An enemy that needs to be dealt with. An enemy that needs to be encountered and defeated. And we can do it. We can do it! We can do it! #UnmaskYourself #BeYou
Programmes
African artistry and storytelling reimagined.
Our programmes are tailored to provide cultural exposure
and learning opportunities at different scales for storytellers, thinkers and makers.
Signatures Words
Discover SignatureWords, where the signatures of Soweto’s youth are revealed through poetry, storytelling and cultural expressions that echo our past and vibrant future.
Dialogues and Thought pieces
Every year, memories, stories and experiences gather together under the embrace of Sandis’ Ubuntu. Led by talented and aspiring writers and creatives, these narratives are carefully woven into a dialogue of engaging dialogues, providing a meaningful platform for sharing and reflection.
Reading and Writing Programme
Through consistent engagement & guidance, children are encouraged to write their own stories, curate imaginative vision boards and interpret the world of storytelling in their own unique voice.
Sign Language Programme
Our Sign Language Programme is designed to unite youths from diverse backgrounds, through the power of gestures & dynamic movements that foster unity and connection.
Brief
During the launch of the Paint-A-Bin Women’s Month Pillow Talk, we aimed to create an environment where women could comfortably share their daily experiences. We recognised the need for a strategic initiative to unite the community and empower one another through the resources available within the art community. Consequently, we were inspired to host an annual event named “Paint A Bin Bonfire.” This concept is designed to establish an edutainment space for the community to discuss the challenges faced by women and other individuals in society. Additionally, the event offers local performers an opportunity to showcase their work while integrating elements of healing.
Paint A Bin Bonfire 2023
“The dead do not die; they wait for you to stop being afraid.” The event saw members of the community celebrate their authenticity under live music and poetry by Makhafula Vilakazi. The event saw participants wearing masks, which were later burnt as part of revealing one’s real identity, which they hide from society. The idea behind the wearing of masks was to ask questions regarding a person’s hidden abilities. We asked the following: Is it not an escapism to hide the pain we face daily? Is it not a facade put up for the outside world and yet destroying the inner us? A facade that shows smiles and laughter. A facade that shows strength and masculinity. A facade that sells lies to our own identities. A facade that misleads beings into thinking that they are ok, when in fact they are not. A facade that causes society to normalise the atrocious acts of rape, gender-based violence, oppression, racism, and crime. A facade that covers our true pains and identities in the name of making others comfortable. A facade that sells a lie to the outside world and, better yet, a bigger lie to one’s soul. A facade that captures the bigger us into smaller cages. A facade that is slowly killing us. Bit by bit. Are we not weary? Are we not weary of carrying the burdened masks in every space? Are we not sick and tired of showing the world false identities that slowly rip off our souls? Are we just not tired of pretending to others and selling lies about our well-being? Are we just not tired of the mask? The mask is our enemy. An enemy that needs to be dealt with. An enemy that needs to be encountered and defeated. And we can do it. We can do it! We can do it! #UnmaskYourself #BeYou
