Zakhele wow St Katherine's

On a bleary, grey March Wednesday, a whirlwind of colour and music beguiled the students of St Katherine’s.  Four years on from their last visit, South African drama and music collective Zakhele returned for an unforgettable two day visit which was equal parts life-affirming and thought-provoking.

The group introduced themselves by filling the staffroom with their rich, sonorous voices at our morning briefing, putting a smile on every staff member’s face.

Students from Year 9 to Year 11 were then treated to a three-pronged experience: first, they were presented with a powerful drama, penned by the group themselves, highlighting the harrowing realities of the HIV epidemic in South Africa. Students were particularly struck by the stigma surrounding the illness, which can often lead to sufferers refusing to take their medication.

This was followed by an eye-opening workshop based around HIV and AIDS and its impacts both in South Africa and closer to home. Finally, students were given the opportunity to meet members of the group in a cultural exchange, asking questions and trading dance moves!

In between workshops, Zakhele made their presence felt across the school. They threw themselves enthusiastically into PE lessons, read stories to our Key Stage 3 students, led our Year 7 students in a rambunctious drumming workshop, and joined our fundraising team in cooking and sharing a delicious South African meal of boerewors and chakalaka. For desert we, of course, shared a song.

The curtain came down on their unforgettable trip with Zakfest, our Thursday night festival arranged by students. In true British festival style, the barbecue was sizzling amongst the drizzle, but inside it was summer. The Zakhele Group performed three segments, including one clad in traditional African dress, and a potent percussive performance using wellington boots. This was interspersed by a stunning range of St Katherine’s students from across the age groups, including singing, dancing and instrumentation, all under the watchful gaze of our thoroughly impressed South African visitors. It was a proud end to two very special days for the staff and students of our school.

Mr Davies