Dignifying the girl child learners. From Left: Moulana Ahmed Mohamed (Al-Imdaad Foundation), Fezile Radebe (VN Naik School learner), Buhle Khumalo (Buhle Khumalo Foundation), and VN Naik School Principal, Cindy Memela
By Simon Manda
Friday 23 August 2024, in Durban – At today’s outreach at VN Naik School for the Deaf, the Buhle Khumalo Foundation and the Al-Imdaad Foundation held a touching outreach program for the girl learners. Community service was on full display at this event, which was organised by Buhle Khumalo, who is also a co-founder of the Power24 International Film Festival debuting in Durban this weekend.
The worldwide award-winning actor and VN Naik School intern, Buhle Khumalo, shared her story with the kids. “Anything is possible,” she declared. My journey as someone with epilepsy has been filled with ups and downs, but there have been many moments of clarity. Presently, I am standing here as an intern, contributing precious goods to kids going through the same thing.
The outreach aimed to address the critical demand for sanitary products among underprivileged young women by distributing dignity packets to girl learners. Beanies, which provide warmth and comfort, were also distributed to all learners.
The Al-Imdaad Foundation’s Moulana Ahmed Mohamed was appreciative of the chance to have a positive impact. To help the school and parents out a bit, he also promised to provide ready-made lunches for the students in the next coming weeks.
Responding to this occasion, Mrs. Cindy Memela, the principal of the school, said, “God responds to our needs in mysterious ways, especially for our boarding learners who require so much.”
In her discussion of the difficulties encountered by the institution, she brought attention to the fact that, in contrast to mainstream schools, those catering to students who are deaf or hard of hearing have a weighted ratio of one to five. “We welcome this recognition and support,” Memela added.
The Power24 International Film Festival, scheduled to be held in Durban from August 24th to the 25th, 2024, will be preceded by this outreach event. Aiming to honour under-represented filmmakers and feature films on topics such as women, people with disabilities, children, religion, history, rural areas, LGBTIQ+, and first-time directors, the festival was inspired by Buhle Khumalo’s story and her recent success in Hollywood.
The Bat Centre, Denis Hurley Centre, KZN Film Commission head-office, and the Durban Music School are just a few of the locations where the festival’s screenings and masterclasses will take place.
Around forty countries will have films shown. The South African premiere of “Zipped,” starring Buhle and produced by Buhle’s sister, Samkhe Khumalo, will take place at tonight’s opening ceremony at the Bat Centre. The film gained international acclaim for Buhle who won in the Best Actress category at the Africa USA International Film Festival in Los Angeles earlier this year.
“Zipped,” premiering as the festival’s opening film, is more than just a movie; it is a testimony of the power of perseverance and representation. Already adorned with accolades from the USA, Greece, and India, this poignant feature tells the story of NomaThokazi, a young girl whose educational dreams are threatened by an undiagnosed illness. “Zipped” showcases a stellar cast including award-winning South African TV personalities Felix Hlophe, Thabo Mnguni, and Thah Simelane, alongside international American actors Gregory Collier and Phylis Turner.
The screenings for the whole Festival are free to attend with limited seating though. Please respond to kznfilmgroup@aol.com as soon as possible to reserve your seats. Attendance will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.
