---
title: "United we dance — Gugulethu after-school projects draw youth safely away from crime and violence"
description: "“When you’re there, you dance your stress out!” Young artists from the Gugulethu United We Stand Organisation talk about the importance of the long-running after-school dance and drama project."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "STREET TALK VIDEO"
author: "Street Talk"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/streettalk/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-06-20-united-we-dance-gugulethu-after-school-projects-draw-youth-safely-away-from-crime-and-violence/"
published: "2023-06-20T18:51:59"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 187
---

# United we dance — Gugulethu after-school projects draw youth safely away from crime and violence

> “When you’re there, you dance your stress out!” Young artists from the Gugulethu United We Stand Organisation talk about the importance of the long-running after-school dance and drama project.

By Street Talk · Published 20 June 2023, 20:51 SAST

## Key points
- Street Talk TV captures the realities of South African life and encourages freedom of expression, giving a platform to those who may not have had one before.
- Zolani and Sindiswa Vokwana and DJ Judy Mkoko founded an organisation in 2009 to support struggling families.
- The dancers support their families with the little money they make from booked performances, but this comes with difficulties.
- Street Talk TV is a non-profit organisation launched in 2008 that produces 15-minute films to capture and expose the lived realities of people living in South Africa.
- Street Talk TV encourages freedom of speech and expression of diverse views, though these views do not necessarily represent the views of the producers.

## Content

[YouTube video: "YouTube video"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYI7QbEL_tQ)

Struggling to make ends meet, and living in areas with detrimental social problems, they call the organisation founded in 2009 by Zolani and Sindiswa Vokwana and DJ Judy Mkoko their ‘second family’. The dancers support their families with the little money they make from booked performances, but this does not come without difficulties. Relatives who may not have the same opportunities may be jealous. Listen to their story of “temptations outside, jealousy inside”.

This film was produced by Street Talk TV, a ground-breaking television and film series aired weekly on community television and on YouTube. In 15-minute films we capture and expose the lived realities and uncensored views of people living in South Africa.

![Street Talk Logo](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/Street-Talk-Logo-1.jpg)

Street Talk TV, a non-profit organisation, was launched in 2008. For more than 700 searchable films and our latest news, visit [streettalk.com](http://www.streettalktv.com), our [Facebook page](https://web.facebook.com/StreetTalkSA/) and on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@StreetTalkSA).

Disclaimer: Street Talk TV encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views of participants who appear in the series - Street Talk TV - are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the producers. **DM**