Fatal launched to empower communities with first aid skills through theatre

A new and exciting edutainment initiative, First Aid Theatre Action Live (Fatal), has been launched as an innovative community empowerment project that merges theatre arts with first aid training to boost community knowledge and preparedness for emergencies.

With the belief that every individual has the potential to save lives, the initiative explores the intersection of creative expression and practical skill-building.

Fatal project manager, Kukhanyakwenkosi “Ganja” Mnkandla, explained that the project aims to address the critical gap in basic first aid knowledge, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where access to emergency medical services is limited.

“This concept was born after we attended a Red Cross first aid training course. As theatre practitioners, we discussed how important basic first aid training is for communities in line with life’s emergencies. We realised that we could use the power of theatre to engage and empower communities while teaching first aid,” said Mnkandla.

The project will share the importance of immediate, informed action during accidents or health crises. Through interactive theatre performances, Fatal will depict real-life scenarios requiring urgent medical intervention and teach audiences how to administer first aid effectively while waiting for professional help.

“These performances, developed and enacted by trained community youth, will cover common emergencies like road accidents, snake bites, choking, burns, and fainting,” Mnkandla explained.

“The aim is to ensure people know how to act in an emergency situation.”

In addition to teaching first aid, Fatal seeks to challenge misconceptions about first aid and integrate culturally relevant narratives to resonate with local communities.

“The use of theatre as an edutainment tool makes the message not only informative but memorable, using storytelling to create a lasting impact,” he added.

Ganja Mnkandla, a creative entrepreneur with a disability, brings a wealth of experience to the project. His journey in the arts began in school drama and later evolved into community theatre, where he became the founding director of the nationally acclaimed Zalabantu Theatre Arts. He also played a key role in the production of 1983-The Dark Years, which was nominated for Outstanding Theatre Production at the 2019 National Arts Merit Awards (Nama). Mnkandla is also a professional filmmaker trained at the Zimbabwe Film and Television School of Southern Africa. His notable work includes the short film Nompilo and the 13-episode documentary series Ezenkosi, funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe.

Additionally, Mnkandla holds a certificate in basic industrial first aid training from the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society. His versatility as an artist, both behind and in front of the camera, enriches the Fatal project with his passion for storytelling and dedication to community empowerment.

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