Hundreds of people came together to see the first community screening of seven Siyakhona films at the Khayelitsha Football for Hope Centre.
Over 400 members of the local community attended the event, an open air showing of films made by trainees of the local Siyakhona partner, Hillside Digital, which all addressed the most important issues affecting people in the township.
Topics such as the lack of electricity, the threat of superstores to local businesses and xenophobia - one of the most urgent issues affecting South Africa - were covered in the films. The film about xenophobia brought a strong reaction from the crowd, many of whom were inspired to get up and share their experiences.
Inspiring local action
Local resident Thope Lekau said, “After watching the film about xenophobia I got up to speak to the community because I feel strongly that we can no longer blame our apartheid past or foreigners for our problems. We have to work together to overcome our challenges”
Another Khayelitsha resident, Lungisiwe Sithole, said, “I used to go to the cinema in the townships but such things faded away.
“We have to bring this kind of thing back to our communities and we have to focus on the stories that matter to people – it’s great that these kids focus on what is important to their community. The reaction of the community tonight was very good,” he added.
After the screening, the members of the community present signed up to support a protest march through Khayelitsha later this month to demonstrate against xenophobic attacks in the community.
Siyakhona in brief
Siyakhona is a project that trains young people from disadvantaged communities to be photographers and video journalists, and includes the creation of video media hubs in some of Africa’s most disadvantaged communities. Hillside Digital, the local training partner of Siyakhona, teaches ‘citizen journalism’ – not only teaching skills and providing equipment but also highlighting the role of journalism in promoting social change.
To watch a video about the screening at the Khayelitsha Football for Hope Centre, click here.
Written by Gareth Davies
