DED Deputy director Solomon Maloka.
The Directorate of Extracurricular Development (DED) in collaboration with the South African State Theatre (SAST), hosted the second annual HEIPA FEST in Pretoria from
5-9 July.
Participating institutions were Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), Tshwane University of Technology, Walter Sisulu University (WSU), Sol Plaatjie University, University of Limpopo and Durban University of Technology.
Brandon Olifant, TUT Alum and Drama Director at TUT’s Pretoria Campus, explained TUT’s motivation and the driving force behind winning the eight trophies. “This was God’s grace only. We had a completely new script, which we have never performed before, it really wasn’t easy.”
He added that students would benefit from participating in more events and festivals of such magnitude. “Participation will allow students to gain that type of experience and exposure. It is no secret that there are many talented students among our campus community who never got the chance to practice those talents. Becoming involved with DED is therefore the smart move for all students. It provides is the perfect place to juggle your studies and still do what you love and are passionate about.”
Direi Masenya, a third-year Public Affairs student who participated in the festival, said it would be very valuable if all productions could be broadcasted to leave a tangible memory for everyone, even those who did not win trophies.
"The exposure for the youth though the HEIPA Festival is amazing. It allows us as emerging artists to display our talents and tell our stories.”
According to Dr Sibongiseni Mkhize, CEO of SAST, the team at the theatre hopes that the partnership will continue for years to come. “It was challenging to host a festival of this magnitude, but my colleagues and I felt it was worth it," he said.
"We are all about culture, art and growing South African talent, therefore hosting this festival was part of our contribution to fulfilling our mission and vision as SAST," he concluded.
Karabo Mohale Executive Deputy Chairperson at National Youth Development Agency.
MUSIC COMPETITION WINNERS WITH MARKS
Western and GBV African Category
1. WSU Mthatha (80.5)
2. WSU Komani (77)
3. MUT (75)
GBV Istibili and own choice category
1. MUT (84.5)
2. WSU Mthatha (75)
3. WSU Komani (73)
Overall Winners
1. MUT (79.75)
2. WSU Mthatha (77.75)
3. WSU Butterworth (72.5)
POETRY COMPETITION WINNERS
1. BEST POET: TUT Soshanguve (Amogelang Ramatena)
2. BEST UPCOMING POET: TUT Soshanguve (Lindokuhle Mguni)
3. BEST ORIGINAL POET: WSU Butterworth
DRAMA COMPETITION
1. BEST PRODUCTION: TUT Soshanguve
2. BEST PROMISING PRODUCTION: WSU Mthatha 1
3. BEST DIRECTOR: TUT Soshanguve (Polelo Madisa)
4. BEST ORIGINAL SCRIPT: TUT Pretoria
5. BEST STAGE DESIGN: TUT Pretoria
6. BEST ACTOR: TUT Soshanguve (Polelo Madisa)
7. BEST ACTRESS: TUT Soshanguve (Nhlonipho Maluleke)
8. BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: WSU Butterworth
9. BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: WSU Mthatha
10. BEST COSTUME: Butterworth
DEBATE COMPETITION
1. BEST JUDGE: TUT Soshanguve (Oratile Bebey)
2. BEST SPEAKER: WSU
3. BEST TEAM: Imhotep (WSU)