Gugulethu musician, singer, composer and storyteller Thandi Swaartbooi was recognised for her contribution to the arts when she received an Influential Women Of The Year award at the Baxter theatre on Saturday night.
Ms Swaartbooi was thrilled to have been acknowledged at the Influential Women and Artes Award 2024, which honoured the achievements of the year’s Top 100 Influential Women and Top 50 Artists.
The annual occasion celebrates the achievements of women and has come at a time when youth and skills development through art is high on Ms Swaartbooi’s agenda.
She was nominated for the award for her groundbreaking work in women and youth empowerment. She has been facilitating musical theatre, shows and music at schools across the city.
Speaking to Vukani at her Gugulethu home, she said the country’s youth have a lot to offer but are failed by their seniors.
“I am delighted with the win although it is not the first time that I have won something. But to be recognised this way is out of this world. I hope this will have an impact not only on young women but on everyone, everywhere,” she said.
She firmly believes that her purpose is to make a difference in people’s lives.
Ms Swaartbooi is the founding head of Women Unite SA, a women’s marimba group which she formed in 1997 to prove that women can achieve whatever they want, and demystify the long-held notion that only men could play those instruments.
As part of her ongoing drive to uplift women, she plans to create more marimba schools and art centres in the townships. “I have submitted plans to the current government to create safe spaces for young people but I always hit a hard rock. But that dream has not died down, I will continue applying until one door opens. I believe that with art, we can never go wrong,” she said.
The expert in traditional South African dance says she is jetting out to perform China with Mama Miriam Makeba’s group in December. “I will give you the details when the time’s right. In the meantime, let me enjoy my winning the influential woman of the year award,” she said.
