Chafa Daai Pantsula
“My life’s work has always been for i-youth. All I’m trying to do is to boost i-self confidence ku
leyincosi and make them believe in a better future no matter the life situation they are in,” said
Shakers & Movers Dance Academy founder, Sthembiso Makhanya.
Currently accepting applications at a once-off fee of R150, the Shakers & Movers Dance
Academy is open to aspiring dancers, energetic dreamers and driven future game changers
from age 9.
The home of the academy is at the Phiri Hall in Soweto and classes will commence every
Monday to Thursday between 4 and 6pm from March 2019.
The institution is also offering informal Computer and English classes which will be scheduled
twice a week for the academics.
Fondly known as Mada, the Pantsula activist has carved a name for himself in the hearts of the
kids in his deep Soweto neighbourhood who never let him pass by without pointing and calling
him out just so he notices them. As we walk down the street, I realise that they see a legend in
him, probably due to the unimaginable way he bends and twists his body in dance or just the
fact that he grew from hardship into success.
Mada’s success spans from training other pantsula groups from Soweto who have excelled on
international stages, to being featured in numerous music videos and adverts as well as starring
in the SABC 1 groundbreaking drama Tjovitjo. His talent continues to transform as he is now an
esteemed choreographer who blends pantsula with contemporary genres such as ballet.
Entirely driven by passion for his craft and community, Mada’s need for resource has not
stopped his cause to change the world’s perspective about the creative industry.
Teaming up with the new local clothing brand CHAFA Apparel, Shakers & Movers has been
sold on the system of skills transfer where the CHAFA team assists Mada with all his online
content while he barters with his endorsement of the brand.
“Ubuntu still exists ekasi, especially among black creatives. Izandla ziyagezana is the notion
that carries this partnership. Though we believe in what Mada is doing, we don’t have financial
strength to back this cause but we will continue to do what we do best and that’s making the
most of what we have. K’waz’bani? Maybe there’s great success in this method,” stated
CHAFA.
This collaboration is only the beginning of both brand and institution’s aim for stronger creative
businesses as they hinted a clothing range for the Pantsula star and the pursuit of major brand
sponsorship.
Look out for this game-changing journey on social media pages Chafa_Apparel and
Madamo_sa.
To reach any of these teams, contact info@chafa.co.za or 073 728 1225 as well as
madamodance@gmail.com or 078 142 3171.
Otherwise, download the academy’s registration form and sign up for your child’s next after
school activity.