Indiphile Ntlanga has been involved in the arts since her teens, when she joined the Kuyasa Horizon Empowerment initiative for youth empowerment in Kayamandi, Stellenbosch. Originally from Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, Ms Ntlanga loves learning from her students and says that if she could, she would harness the powers of Spiderman for a day. The Xolani Primary School teacher is part of the CCC’s Children’s Arts Group’s Committee and volunteers on Saturdays to ensure that learners arrive safely at Bridgeville Primary School.
Q&A
- Describe yourself in three words.
Amazing, free-spirited, beautiful
2. What inspired you to work with young people?
When I was young, I was fortunate enough to become involved with an NGO in Kayamandi that took kids off the street and taught us skills. They also shared the word of God with us. Eventually I became a youth leader for this NGO and now I believe it’s my turn to give back to other young people.
3. Which superpower would you like to channel, even just for a day?
I would like to be Spiderman. He is young, and yet he is loved by young and old alike. I would use this superpower to attract more people to do more art as a career.
4. What song best describes your personality?
The song is called Sondela by Msaki featuring Tresor. It’s soulful and chilled, yet upbeat – just like me.
5. What’s the most memorable project you’ve been part of?
For the last three years I’ve been involved in traditional arts projects that participates in national arts competitions. It’s a big deal as it allows the children involved to push themselves to new heights. I’m so proud to be a part of it. We get the children who are good at drawing to make our posters, the dancers dance, the singers, musicians – there’s something for everyone.
6. How do you get inspired when you feel stuck creatively?
I ask my kids what they think we should do. They minds inspire me and I learn so much from them. I also look to TikTok for inspiration.
7. What’s one thing you wish more people knew about CCC?
I wish they could see how the CCC is changing the world, one child and one artist at a time. I believe the CCC is here to change lives through the arts.
8. What’s one piece of advice you received as a young person that still guides you?
When I was at the NGO, I was very frustrated because I can’t dance or sing. One of my mentors told me one day: “Indi, don’t worry. You have a voice to stand up for other people.” It has always stayed with me that I can speak for those who can’t speak for themselves.
I am a hard worker, but I was an average student. Those words have shaped me so much that I believe it helped become the person I am today.