Centre For Talent Development - CTD

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The Festival is coming. Brace Up.

WHEM THE SHOW MUST GO ON: C.T.D'S 5-DAY TOUR OF TRIUMPH OVER TRIALS.
The road to Hwange is not for the faint-hearted. For the Centre for Talent Development (C.T.D), it became a testament to resilience, community spirit, and the unshakeable belief that education through theatre is worth every bump along the way.

When C.T.D embarked on a five-day performance-based workshop tour starting with Mtshibini High School in Lupane and culminating at Marist Brothers Dete High School in Hwange, they knew it would be a brave undertaking. What they didn’t fully anticipate was just how much of a trial by fire—and dust—it would become .

A CAST OF THOUSANDS, A ROAD OF RUINS
With a 12-member cast, a facilitator, three administrators, and a driver, the logistics alone were daunting. Lupane District was familiar territory; C.T.D had ventured there before. Hwange, however, was an entirely different story.

The road was the first adversary. What were once roads had become treacherous networks of gulleys, testing the patience and skill of driver Derick Ndlovu at every turn. The team arrived in Hwange on the evening of 24 June, exhausted but hopeful.

Hope quickly turned to frustration when their pre-arranged accommodation at a BnB fell through. At 10 PM, with phones unanswered and messages ignored, the team found themselves hunting for a place to stay. They finally secured rooms at a decent but basic old hotel—not the ideal start for a tour already fraught with uncertainty.

THE MORNING OF RECKONING
At 5 AM, anxieties were running high. Would schools even show up? They had a point person—a lady teacher from Wankie High—and the Head in Charge of Indigenous Languages was expected. But the unknowns loomed large.

Breakfast was another challenge. The hotel offered only water. The team set out to find food before locating Daves Hall—a venue no one on the team knew. They got lost multiple times in Hwange, wandering through unfamiliar streets before finally finding the hall.

What greeted them was a mixed blessing. The hall was massive, with a stage that promised grand performances. But Dingani, the energetic caretaker, quickly dashed those hopes: the stage was unsafe, its wear and tear rendering it unusable.

CREATIVITY UNDER PRESSURE
This was where C.T.D’s Creative Director stepped in, improvising solutions to bring the performances to life without a stage. Meanwhile, another challenge was brewing outside: over 500 learners were gathering, but only 150 chairs awaited them inside.

Wankie High came to the rescue with 120 chairs, and Thomas Coulter Primary School, under the generous leadership of Head Mrs. Ncube, offered more. Mrs. Ncube’s words were a balm: “Anytime you visit Hwange and need help, we will always be there.”

The Head in Charge of Languages, Mr. J. Dube, was also present. He introduced himself, noting that the District Schools Inspector had sent him to observe and compile a conclusive report. The pressure was palpable—but so was the professionalism.

THE MAGIC UNFOLDS
With everything finally in place, the workshops rolled on. C.T.D delivered what it always delivers: top-notch performances and discussions that left learners and teachers spellbound.

By 3:30 PM, the Hwange leg was concluding. Attendees were already asking when C.T.D would return. The team promised they would.

VICTORIA FALLS: A ROARING SUCCESS
As the Hwange activities wound down, Mr. Moyo from Victoria Falls was on the phone. First, he needed the programme for Victoria Falls—urgently. Then, he rebuked the team for not having secured accommodation. Before they even left Hwange, he had sorted rooms at Reynolds Lodge.

Arriving around 8 PM, the team found a clean, refreshing haven. That evening, they enjoyed a braai and even danced—but this was a tour of duty, not leisure. Performers retired early, knowing they needed energy for the next day.

CHINOTIMBA HALL: BLOWING THE ROOF OFF
At 6 AM, they were up. By 8 AM, they arrived at Chinotimba Hall in Victoria Falls. The venue, with a capacity of 1,000 seats, was overflowing. The atmosphere was electric.

The Schools Inspector for Indigenous Languages was already there, representing the DSI, NASH, and her own portfolio. She was also a Moyo—a story for another day. Introductions were made, and pre-performance speeches set the stage.

During the second session—Umendo by Barbara Makhalisa—Chinotimba’s roof was metaphorically blown off. Learners and teachers reacted with raw emotion, cheering when Gugu beat Jenny and crying when Ndaba abused her. When Ndaba collapsed and died, the gathering erupted in celebration.

Among the audience were managers from Simunye Arts, who immediately invited the team to watch their show that evening—an invitation they eagerly accepted.

A FITTING FINALE
The afternoon was spent touring the Falls—a wonderful experience for the team. That evening, they watched Simunye, catching up with former C.T.D members now part of the cast. It was a reunion of siblings who hadn’t seen each other in years.

By 11 PM, they retired, alarms set for 3 AM. The next stop: Marist Brothers Dete.

At Marist, the Head—a sweet leader—ensured the team had breakfast and lunch. Their point person, Mr. Ncube, was ever-smiling. Schools from around the district joined, and once again, C.T.D delivered.

The Journey Home
Arriving in Bulawayo on Saturday midnight, the team was exhausted but triumphant. Driver Derick Ndlovu, an absolute asset, ensured all 16 members were safely delivered to their homes.

This tour was more than a series of workshops. It was a lesson in resilience, a testament to community support, and a powerful reminder that theatre—when harnessed effectively—can bridge divides, educate, and inspire .

C.T.D may have faced gulleys, lost venues, and sleepless nights. But they left behind a trail of delighted learners, grateful teachers, and a promise: We will be back.

Educational Theatre is our Service!

To learn more about C.T.D’s work or to book a workshop, contact Thabani H. Moyo at +263776087317 or visit centrefortalentdevelopment.com

These Pictures are a Definition of what we stand for.

Today Um'Afrikazi blessed our stage during Umdumo weZinkondlo Performance Based Workshop.