The arts play an important role in society, but were being neglected at South African schools, which were failing to tap young people’s true potential.
This was the view of a number of performers in Durban on Monday for the 16th Poetry Africa International Poetry Festival.
The festival began on Monday night and will end on October 19. It predominantly features poets from South Africa and elsewhere on the continent.
The programme includes performances, music, book launches, a SlamJam, seminars, workshops, open mic sessions, and school programmes.
Philo Ikonya, a Kenyan poet and novelist, speaking at a welcome lunch held at Moyo restaurant on Monday, said South Africa should be the last place to undervalue the arts.
“Think of the place music had in the struggle against apartheid. There have been stories of people who sang as they were escorted to the gallows, how they chose song to express their last words. We cannot let this contribution be forgotten.”
Glenwood poet Ewok Robinson said the younger generation were being short-changed by a lack of appreciation of the arts.
“The education system is built to fit into the system – it’s part of a larger machine. You are trained to fit into the system, but your individuality is not taken into account.”
Peter Rorvik, the director of UKZN’s Centre for Creative Arts, which organised the festival, weighed in on the debate.
“We can dream of societies in which people are free, happy and fulfilled. Who better than poets to envision new worlds?
“We need poets and artists who speak and act according to their convictions,” he said.
Free performances will be held across Durban. For a full programme of events, go to www.cca.ukzn.ac.za