The arts and culture fraternity in northern KwaZulu-Natal is mourning the loss of a dedicated leader and mentor. The Esikhaleni Arts and Culture Initiative (NPO) has confirmed the passing of its long-serving chairperson, Mr. Sizwe Zakwe, who passed away on 12 August 2025 at the age of 53. He was laid to rest on 17 August 2025 at his family home in Mevamhlophe.
Mr. Zakwe had served as the chairperson of the organisation since 2006, leading the NPO through nearly two decades of community development, artistic growth, and cultural preservation in Esikhaleni and beyond. His leadership was defined by his unwavering commitment to uplifting young people, women, and persons with disabilities through arts and culture.
Throughout his tenure, Zakwe worked tirelessly to create platforms for local artists to showcase their work and build sustainable careers. He was instrumental in positioning the Esikhaleni Arts and Culture Initiative as one of the most active grassroots cultural organisations in the King Cetshwayo District. Under his leadership, the NPO collaborated with schools, community groups, and artists to promote theatre, dance, music, and visual arts.
One of the initiative’s proudest achievements was its partnership with the National Arts Council (NAC). Since 2019, the NAC has funded a three-year project aimed at empowering persons with disabilities in Esikhawini and Manguzi through creative expression, training, and performance opportunities. This project not only showcased talent but also promoted inclusivity and social cohesion.
Following Zakwe’s passing, the organisation convened a Special General Meeting to elect a new chairperson. The mantle of leadership now rests on the shoulders of Ms. Sinenhlanhla Mthimkhulu, a young and energetic cultural worker who had been closely working alongside Zakwe for several years.
In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Mthimkhulu paid a heartfelt tribute to her mentor:
“I am deeply sad about the passing of Mr. Zakwe; it was too soon. However, I would like to thank him for creating this lucrative platform for artists of KZN, King Cetshwayo District in particular. Sizwe has groomed youths, women, and disabled communities in our local vicinities, and I am the example. I am grateful to be elected in his position and I hope that with the knowledge he has passed to me, I will be able to wear his shoes. Though they are bigger than me, I will try my best to continue to take his legacy in the Creative Industry a notch higher.”
Ms. Mthimkhulu also expressed gratitude to the National Arts Council, acknowledging their continued support:
“The NAC has been funding this project since 2019 until today. I am the one who is taking over and leading the project until its formal closeout.”
Founded in the early 2000s, the Esikhaleni Arts and Culture Initiative has been a beacon of creative empowerment in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The NPO focuses on arts education, cultural preservation, and youth development, often working with disadvantaged communities to use the arts as a tool for social change.
Over the years, the organisation has hosted numerous cultural festivals, talent showcases, and training workshops. It has also played a critical role in creating opportunities for local artists to access provincial and national platforms.
The passing of Mr. Zakwe marks the end of an era, but the election of Ms. Mthimkhulu signals a fresh chapter for the organisation. With her youthful energy, experience in community arts, and the mentorship she received from Zakwe, she is well-positioned to steer the NPO into the future while safeguarding the legacy of her predecessor.
The arts community in King Cetshwayo District and the broader KwaZulu-Natal region continues to rally around the Esikhaleni Arts and Culture Initiative as it enters this new era of leadership.
