10 years of Jibilika: Mhako looks back

Bruce Ndlovu
Last week Jibilika Dance founder Plot Mhako dropped a bombshell when he announced on the trusta��s 10th anniversary that he would be stepping down as the projectsa�� and creative director.

The move to step down from the trust, which organises the countrya��s biggest urban dance festival, Jibilika, came as a shock to many who thought that Mhako would continue at the helm of the festival which has grown in leaps and bounds since its debut 10 years ago.

Established on March 15, 2007, the trust focuses on helping young people to make positive life choices, especially with regard to the HIV and Aids epidemic, drug abuse and crime through dance.

Explaining his decision Mhako said that he felt that it was time to pass the baton to others.

He, however, said although he had decided to step down, his tenure at the helm of Jibilika had been life altering.

a�?The last decade was full of life changing adventures. When I got into the industry I had no prior experience besides my undying passion for the arts. I had never danced before and still cana��t dance but the experience was enlightening, empowering but at times heart breaking but ultimately worth it.

a�?One of my greatest moments at the helm of Jibilika was being able to weather the 2008 storm. The year was the most challenging economically and that impacted on our efforts especially considering the fact that Jibilika was a two-year-old baby which meant we had to show resilience and strong will to soldier on. I could say ita��s the year that sharpened my skills and reaffirmed that the dream was going to stand even beyond me as the founder,a�? he said.

Mhako said that although he celebrated the highs, the festivala��s major lows had taken a toll on him as well.

a�?My lowest point came in 2011 when Immigration deported two national dance teams, one from South Africa and another one from Tunisia over work permits when we hosted the African qualifier for Battle of the Year. It blew away everything. I almost quit. We lost sponsors, dancers, money, the international reputation vanished overnight and no one had confidence in us as an organisation,a�? he said.