By Nangamso Mabindla
21 September 2005

TOURISM Month is in full swing and a group of young local artists is not about to miss out. Ibuyambo Cultural Enterprise will be exhibiting the artists' work at East London's Ann Bryant Art Gallery on 29 September.

Ibuyambo Cultural Enterprise is a non-profit organisation that aims to fight crime and poverty through encouraging the city's youngsters to use every skill and talent they have, especially in art. Tsepo Matlabane, the group's public relations officer, says Ibuyambo means "returning to your roots and reviving lost morals".

"We want to take our youths back to the times when Xhosa people were dignified and had good morals. A lot of things have changed and we think it is time the youth knew their culture," he explains.

"We also want to show various people the beauty of our country and our city, East London."

The group is made up of young artists from Kidds Beach in Ncera Village, Mdantsane and other areas in East London.

"Our main aim is to take youths off the street and enhance their talent. Some of them would have given up on life and turned to crime as a means to escape poverty," Matlabane says.

Performing arts, visual art, art and craft, and design are all included in the group's work, but only some of its visual art works will be on show at the gallery.

"We will showcase some of our best paintings for the public and tourists to see that we are serious about making careers out of art."

For more information about the gallery and future exhibitions, phone 043 722 4044 or email annbryant@interkom.co.za or visit the gallery at St Marks Road, Southernwood, East London.

The gallery is open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm. On Saturdays and public holidays it is open from 9am to 12pm, but it is closed on Christmas Day, Good Friday, New Year's Day, Freedom Day, Workers' Day and Youth Day. It is closed on Sunday.