Theatre history from Tsimanyane
The Achievers Theatre Company is from the village of Tsimanyane in the Sekhukhune District. Its play “Lekae letswalo?” was performed at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown in 2010 and received positive feedback from the festival organisers. The geographical references should be distinguished: the company is from Tsimanyane, while the festival performance took place in Grahamstown. The year 2010 places the performance in the company’s history.
The company also toured the region: together with the Itsošeng Youth Empowerment Project, it toured parts of Limpopo Province. These included Venda in Vhembe District, Polokwane and the surrounding areas in Capricorn District, as well as villages in Sekhukhune District. Unlike the single festival performance in Grahamstown, this tour travelled through several parts of Limpopo and represents a separate regional theatre connection.
The Achievers Theatre Palace was founded in 2004 by artists from Tsimanyane. In chronological terms, its founding predates the 2010 festival performance; the years mark different events. Alongside the Achievers Theatre Company’s performance, this provides a dated reference to the history of theatre.
Architecture and biographical history
The Tsimanyane Sendingkerk was selected as an exhibit for the 50th anniversary exhibition of alumni of the University of Pretoria’s School of Architecture. The exhibition was held at the Pretoria Art Gallery. This connection broadens the cultural history to include architecture and exhibitions: unlike the theatre work, the church is featured in the context of an anniversary exhibition. Those interested in architectural and exhibition history will find a distinct aspect here alongside the theatre connections.
Activist Lydia Komape-Ngwenya brings a biographical perspective. She was laid to rest in the village of Tsimanyane, died at the age of 88, and had been awarded the Order of Luthuli in Bronze by President Kgalema Motlanthe. Her story connects the place name with a named activist and her award. This connection offers a different emphasis from the theatre and architectural histories: the focus is on a person and her life story.
Nature topics in the wider region
Schuinsdraai Nature Reserve is one of the attractions around Marble Hall. The reserve is associated with birdwatching, boating and fishing. Kudu, impala, eland, warthogs and rare sable antelope are found in the reserve area. These animal species are associated with the reserve area. This offers a distinct regional nature connection alongside Tsimanyane’s cultural history, in a geographical setting around Marble Hall.
Choose the right focus for your stay
When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to distinguish between Tsimanyane’s cultural connections and the nature topics in the area around Marble Hall. Consider what you would like your stay to focus on: the village’s theatre, exhibition and biographical stories, or also the reserve with its listed activities and animal species.
Discover more destinations: Ngwaritsi, Damwal, Tonteldoos, Ga-Mongatane
Go to the broader travel overview: Southern.
