Whatever happened to the good old practice of the apprenticeship where a young person learns their craft in an industry under the guidance of a wise and experienced mentor?
#SliceofGasant columnist Gasant Abarder was reminded about this lack of mentorship in the unlikeliest places last week – while at the theatre, no less.
Over the last few years, we’ve lost important voices of reasons that had an impact on our moral compass as a nation. Last Friday marked the 11th commemoration of Tata Madiba’s passing and a few years ago we lost Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu among many others. They epitomised selfless leadership in the face of adversity.
The lack of mentorship has crept into every part of our society – particularly in the workplace. There are no more so-called greybeards to guide a new generation to take up the baton.
I can only speak with some authority about my own experience in the media. I became editor of The Cape Argus, one of the country’s oldest newspapers, at the age of 31. There were so many senior folks happy to help me. The journey started long before with veteran media people like the late Ronnie Morris, Kanthan Pillay, Roger Friedman, Benny Gool and others who were always ready with guidance and advice.
Now, in my own way, I am attempting to pass over not only advice about the media but also about life.
The problem starts when you look up and there are no mentors. Workplaces have slowly started phasing out senior colleagues in favour of younger, dynamic employees who can multitask and are adept at what they do. It makes sense to the bottom line, as they cost less to hire because they don’t have the experience. But therein lies the fault line.
I mean no disrespect to the younger folks – especially in the media space. They can produce videos, audio clips, post on social media, take images and write long form. The previous generation specialised in one discipline in the media. But what is missing from the repertoire is the sage advice that can help young media people navigate tricky situations. The mentors have seen and done it all.
This notion occurred to me last week when I went to see a new production at the Baxter Theatre called Joltyd. It headlines the multi-talented Loukmaan Adams – a Laurence Olivier Award winner no less.
I didn’t know what to expect as the name suggested a festive, minstrel-like show. It was anything but as the cast, with their singing, dance choreography and a flawless performance by host, stand-up comedian Mel Jones, blew me away. The show starts in the 50s with tributes to Chubby Checkers and moves into the Motown era of Berry Gordy, the 80s, 90s and contemporary tracks.
The best part was that, unlike other tribute shows of this nature, it paid homage to black South African artists like Miriam Makeba, Brenda Fassie and even TKZee. It’s the moments in your life defined by music that will leave you with goosebumps.
Adams and Jones guide a young cast of talented artists like Tashreeq de Villiers (better known as Ricki vannie Frontline or TDV – who shows he is much more than just a TikTok one trick pony with this singing, acting and dance performance), an incredible vocalist Kashifa Blaauw, the energetic Jarrad Ricketts and my personal favourite in the cast, Xoliswa Tom. This top cast is accompanied by an incredible band led by musical director Charlton Daniels.
It is clear Adams, who produces the show, had a hand in mentoring his younger and less experienced cast members. He is happy to take a back seat and the smile on his face when he performs alongside his fellow cast members is that of a proud father. He revels in their success, and it is the kind of mentorship and leadership we need in this country to solve the unemployment challenges.
Co-directed by Basil Appollis with choreography by Grant van Ster, Joltyd is a must-see and a show that can travel the world. It runs at the Baxter until 3 January 2025. It is impossible not to dance along and get off your seat.
Please don’t let the young, talented and dynamic young people of this country steal with their eyes. Be like Adams, who takes an interest in their success and is happy to pave the way for a new generation to walk through the doors he kicked open.
Otherwise, I’m going to burn myself cooking or cutting off digits with power tools. We need a fresh band of new leaders in this country and they need guidance – whether it’s in the arts, the media, the building and construction trade or in the culinary world. Calling all mentors: step up to the plate!
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Picture: Supplied
