Women in pantsula and dance invited to Let’s Talk Mshoza

Women working in pantsula and dance more broadly are invited to Let’s Talk Mshoza, a women-only round-table discussion presented by Buru Ventures and the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS).

Designed as a safe and open space, the discussion will consider the experiences of women in dance, including the challenges they encounter, the opportunities available to them and their ambitions for the future. It follows the strong presence of women performers at the Pantsula, My World Festival in Katlehong, where several women-led and women-only groups took to the stage.

The round table will be moderated by Nondumiso Msimango. Panellists include producer and programmer Lindiwe Lekasapa; dancer and choreographer Sonia Radebe; pantsula practitioner, dancer and choreographer Julia Burnham; IFAS communications officer Nolo Mokotedi; and a representative of Maphike Attorneys Inc., who will contribute a legal perspective.

The event forms part of Pantsula, My World, an initiative dedicated to documenting and passing on pantsula as a cultural practice shaped by dance, music, language, fashion, identity and township life. The project continues the work of the late Buru Mohlabane, co-founder of Via Katlehong Dance, who sought to develop a methodology through which pantsula could be taught to future generations.

Let’s Talk Mshoza takes place on Monday, 21 September 2026, from 18:00 to 20:00 at the French Institute of South Africa at 62 Juta Street, Braamfontein. Light meals and drinks will be served.

Women interested in attending can RSVP to attend here.