Steve Biko Centre & Aluta Restaurant

12/06/2026

30/05/2026

FINAL PERFORMANCE TODAY!!
Ticket Sales at the Door from 14h00
Performance commences promptly at 15h00
Umtiza Arts Festival cntinues to expand arts access and cultural participation across Buffalo City Metro through its outreach and venue activation initiatives, bringing highquality productions to communities beyond East London’s city centre. As part of this
commitment to decentralising the arts and activating heritage venues across the region, the festival proudly presents UKONGA at the Steve Biko Centre in Qonce.
Presented by iKAH (iThemba Kreativ Arts Hub), UKONGA (to nurse, the act of nursing) is a powerful one-hour dramatic stage production inspired by the book A Bold Profession by
Professor Leslie Hadfield. The production explores the lived experiences of Black nurses who served in rural Ciskei between the 1960s and 1980s, navigating the harsh realities of the Homeland system and Apartheid while remaining pillars of care, resilience, and dignity within their communities. Through compelling storytelling, movement, music, and dramatic interpretation, UKONGA
honours the sacrifices and humanity of these women whose contributions to healthcare and community life remain largely undocumented in mainstream history. The production
combines evocative direction by ngu-X with expressive choreography by acclaimed artist Thandiwe Mqokeli, creating a moving theatrical experience that reflects the strength,
vulnerability, and endurance of rural nurses during one of South Africa’s most difficult periods.
The production features an all-female cast comprising Anathi Banethi, Elethu Ngoqo, Bathandwa Diniso, and Claire Miles. Audiences can expect a deeply emotional and visually engaging performance that bridges theatre, dance, memory, and historical reflection.

07/05/2026

Kindly RSVP https://forms.office.com/r/gE0rF4KHsE and indicate if you will attend in person or online.

06/05/2026

Kindly RSVP https://forms.office.com/r/gE0rF4KHsE and indicate if you will attend in person or online.