History:

DramAidE was established in 1992. The organisation originated at the University of Zululand (UZ), as a project within the Department of Drama. DramAidE initially focussed on education within secondary schools, reaching a total of 772 schools in eight regions of KZN between 1992 and 1996. Teachers at these schools were trained in basic HIV/AIDS information, and given skills to be able to communicate openly with their students about related issues. Over six hundred thousand school learners were reached directly by DramAidE in this period, through exposure to HIV/AIDS awareness plays and participatory workshops at the schools. Their parents, younger siblings and other community members were reached through attendance at health festivals arranged by the schools, where learners presented their own AIDS plays, songs and dances.

DramAidE has since expanded its scope, and works within all educational institutions, primary, secondary and tertiary, as well as within various communities around KZN.

Sponsors:

Funding for DramAidE has come from the KZN Departments of Health and Education and support from the Universities of Zululand and KwaZulu-Natal.  Donors include the African Medical Research Foundation, SAIH Interfund, Richards Bay Minerals, the National Development Agency and Greatergood.  Major funding is provided by the United States Agency for International Development through JHHESA (Johns Hopkins Health and Education South Africa).

Staff:

DramAidE Board

Prof PT Sibaya – Chairperson (University of Zululand)
Prof P Coleman (Johns Hopkins Health Education SA)
Ms Vimla Moodley (Department of Health)
Dr Happy Gumede (Department of Education)
Dr Warren Parker (CADRE)
Prof Keyan Tomaselli (Universty of KwaZulu Natal)
Prof Lynn Dalrymple (DramAidE Director)
Mr Mkhonzeni Gumede (DramAidE Project Manager)
Ms Felicity Nicholson (DramAidE Financial Administrator)

Permanent staff employed by the University of Zululand

Prof Lynn Dalrymple  Director (Retired)  
Mkhonzeni Gumede  Project Manager 
Felicity Nicholson  Financial Manager  
Duduza Ngcobo  Facilitator  
Thenjiwe Manana  Project Co-ordinator  
Mondli Makhanya  Project Co-ordinator 
Msebenzi Mbuyazi  Facilitator  
Prince Zigi Mnqayi  Facilitator  
Mesuli Ntshalintshali  Facilitator  
Spheto W Mkhize  Facilitator  
Zama Mbambo  Facilitator  
Kim Haskins   Admin assist  
Rose Mlungwana  M & E assist  

Contract staff employed by the University of Zululand for an HIV/AIDS prevention project at Richards Bay

P.N. Mchunu  Community Facilitator
K. Ngqulunga  Community Facilitator
M.T. Myeni  Community Facilitator

Staff seconded to DramAidE by NGOs for HIV/AIDS an prevention project in faith-based organisations

T.P Ngubane  Community Facilitator, World Vision
T.G Duze  Community Facilitator, World Vision
S.W Khanyille  Community Facilitator, World Vision
N. Sithole  Community Facilitator, Hlongwa CBO Network
N. Dlamini  Community Facilitator, Hlongwa CBO Network
Mduduzi Zulu  Community Facilitator, Hope Ropheka
B Malaza  Community Facilitator, Ukukhanya KweZion
O Mhlongo  Community Facilitator, Mpungose Noah
Rev Monama  Community Facilitator, Eshowe Methodist
Rev Phakathi  Community Facilitator, Sanctified by Grace Ministries
S Mngadi  Community Facilitator, St Anna Jeoachim
Pastor Zungu  Community Facilitator, Revival Fellowship Centre
Pastor Mchunu Community Facilitator Intern, Christian Brethren
Pastor P Mhlongo Community Facilitator, Assemblies of God

Staff seconded to DramAidE by Universities for the Health Promoters Project

B.J Mankomo  Health Promoter, Walter Sisulu University, Zamukulungisa
N. Legodi  Health Promoter, Durban University of Technology
F. Simbeku  Health Promoter, Durban University of Technology
M.Harmsen  Health Promoter, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, C Town
T.Nkosi  Health Promoter, Tshwane University of Technology, Nelspruit
N. Mangwashu Health Promoter, Walter Sisulu University, Ibika Site
A. Matolo  Health Promoter, Walter Sisulu University, Ibika Site
T. Nyangule  Health Promoter, Walter Sisulu University, Butterworth Site
N.P Joni  Health Promoter, Walter Sisulu University, Potsdam Campus
S. Kgarosi  Health Promoter, Tshwane University of Technology Soshanguve
M.Motshegare  Health Promoter, Tshwane University of Technology Pretoria Campus
B. Mazibuko  Health Promoter, Tshwane University of Technology, Garankuwa
C.B Peter  Health Promoter, University of Western Cape
A. Moloi  Health Promoter, Vaal University of Technology
G. Lesenyego  Health Promoter, North - West University Mafikeng Campus
Z. Mobbs    Health Promoter, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville
M. Tshivenga    Health Promoter, University of Venda
N. Maufe    Health Promoter, University of Limpopo, Medunsa
D. Moagi    Health Promoter, University of Limpopo, Turfloop
N. Buso    Health Promoter. University of Fort Hare
L. Tsotesie    Health Promoter, University of Free State, Qwaqwa

Consultants:

Dr Chris Borman 
Paul Botha 
Emma Durden 
Nompumelelo Gumede 
Dudu Luthuli 
Laura Myers 


FAQ's:

Do you receive government support?

In the past, DramAidE received funding from both the Department of Education and the Department of Health.  We no longer apply for funding from the SA government.  In the past few years most of our funding has come through the Johns Hopkins University in the USA (through the Presidents Emergency Fund: PEPFAR), USAID, Norwegian Students Academy International Helpfund (SAIH), Medical Care Development International (MCDI), Richards Bay Minerals (RBM), African Medical Research Foundation (AMREF), the Human Sciences Research Council and TELP.  Different organisations sponsor different projects.

Overall, what do you hope to achieve from your Aids/HIV prevention programmes?

In the long term, we hope to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS in South Africa.  In the shorter term, we hope to increase awareness about HIV/AIDS and to encourage support and care for those who are affected.  One of our key goals is to empower young people to make informed decisions and practice healthy behaviours.

Please give a brief description of your Aids/HIV prevention theatre projects?

DramAidE uses theatre to create awareness around HIV/AIDS and other related issues.  Instead of performing themselves, DramAidE staff members train young people to create their own plays, as well as other action media such as songs, dances, poems and posters.

Is theatre generally well received within the communities you visit?

South Africa has a proud oral tradition, and story-telling and theatre play a big part of this.  Where young people present their own creations to their parents and other community members, they are very well received.  The wealth of talent we see on a daily basis is astounding.

Why do you think theatre has an important part to play in Aids/HIV prevention?

Theatre, as well as the other arts can be used effectively to address difficult problems and taboo subjects through humour and creativity.  Instead of lecturing, important information is given through familiar art forms which can be enjoyed by all. Instead of pointing fingers, audiences can laugh at the behaviours of the characters they see on stage.  The stage also gives an opportunity to showcase healthy behaviours, and audience members can see the benefits of these and copy them.

Is a participatory method of workshop the most effective structure for your projects?

Involving project participants in creating their own work empowers them.  Young people learn not only media-making skills, but also life skills such as how to work with groups.  Their self-esteem rises through these projects, and they feel that they have a voice, and the power to make a difference.

How do you ensure that the targeted community is fully educated on the prevention of HIV/Aids?

We train community facilitators who in turn work with churches, clinics and other groups in the area.  We try to ensure that all of the groups that we work with have access to other structures where they can find further information and get support for their projects.

Do your theatre projects have an obvious impact on the community?

We have received very positive evaluations from independent researchers on the impact that DramAidE has made.

Does your theatre company provide follow up guidance/discussions or workshops after the initial visit?

We try to ensure sustainability with all our projects. Over the years we have built up trusting and supportive relationships with many schools and communities, who are pleased to welcome us back every year.

What are the major problems you face when conducting your projects?

Resources!  We could always do with more time, money and skilled personnel.  There are times when politics and beaurocratic structures conspire to slow down the process of the projects, but mostly we receive great support from the local communities in which we work.