03/12/2024
๐จ๐๐๐๐ญ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฌ! ๐จ
Ongesizwe Zintathu Jubase was born in Qumbu and matriculated at Joubert Ludidi Comprehensive High School. She went on to graduate with a degree in Fine Arts from Walter Sisulu University in 2008. After completing her studies, Ongesizwe gained valuable experience as an intern at the East London Museum's art department in 2009, where she worked as a display artist. She has also showcased her artwork at several prominent festivals, including the "Isingqi sethu Cultural Festival in Port St Johns, where she highlighted the cultural custom of "Intonjane." Additionally, she exhibited at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival.
In 2012, she was one of five artists selected for the Nelson Mandela Museum's arts incubator programme in Qunu, which she participated in for eight months. The following year, she was chosen by the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture to serve as a visual arts facilitator at the Mtata Arts Centre. In this role, she facilitated arts programs in various schools throughout the O.R. Tambo region. For several years, Ongesizwe has also worked with special schools, sharing her expertise and passion for the arts with students with diverse needs. This experience has not only honed her skills as an educator but also deepened her understanding of the transformative power of art.
Since 2014, she facilitated creative arts and life skills in schools around Qumbu. She has collaborated with the Department of Education as an adjudicator during arts festivals in the O.R Tambo District. Currently, she is pursuing a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, majoring in Creative Arts and Life Orientation, through the University of South Africa (UNISA). In addition to her teaching and artistic pursuits, Ongesizwe is a self-taught graphic designer and operates a small business designing birthday cards, invitations, graduation certificates, and other materials. She has also established a traditional dance group in her community, which performs at various events. Ongesizwe's outstanding work has earned her several awards and nominations. She won the provincial-level award for Best School in Visual Art with Mhlontlo Community College and was nominated as the Best Creative Arts Facilitator in the Qumbu district.
We are delighted to have Ongesizwe as part of the Artists in Schools Programme! Her wealth of experience, passion for arts education, and dedication to empowering young minds make her a valuable asset to our team.
