Local artist, entrepreneur and community activist Jabulane Silanda, popularly known by his stage name Ntaladipichi, hosted the inaugural Nthole Ko Thole First Annual Event on 31 October 2026, bringing together young talent, local entrepreneurs and community members for a day dedicated to creativity, encouragement and community development.
Silanda, the founder of the Nthole Ko Thole clothing brand and the Ntaladipichi Foundation, organised the event as part of his commitment to giving back to the community and recognising the people who have supported his journey in music, fashion, dance and motivational speaking.
The event provided children and young people with an opportunity to showcase their talents, build confidence and demonstrate their abilities. Local clothing brands and entrepreneurs were also given an opportunity to promote and sell their products through stalls, which were provided free of charge. Winners received prizes in recognition of their performances and talents, while the event also created opportunities for participants to gain further exposure through radio interviews with Thetha and Timeline Radio.
The gathering received support from several individuals and community stakeholders, including Lerato ANC, Sky Vaal Thetha, Tumi of Timeline Radio, Nancy Ditshego, Tom, Papatlhalefo, president of Taudiarora, Van Wyk, KB, Mpasi, Angie, Extreme Makhayeni and the Vaal Tivas Gang.
One of the highlights was the presence of Papatlhalefo, president of Taudiarora, who attended as a guest and shared words of encouragement with the youth, motivating them to believe in themselves and continue pursuing their dreams.
Speaking to OFN about the motivation behind the initiative, Silanda explained that the event was a way of thanking the community for believing in his transformation and supporting his various creative and entrepreneurial ventures.
Through the Ntaladipichi Foundation, he hopes to encourage young people to stay away from drugs and crime, make positive life choices and work towards healthier and brighter futures. He also emphasised the importance of not underestimating young people’s abilities, urging parents and community members to recognise, nurture and support the talents of children.
“It takes a village to raise a child,” is the message behind the initiative, with Silanda calling on parents to become actively involved in their children’s lives and support them in every possible way.
Looking ahead, Silanda hopes that the next edition of the event will attract more sponsors, greater community participation and an even bigger platform for young people to showcase their abilities. He believes that with the right support, initiatives such as Nthole Ko Thole can help create opportunities, inspire positive change and contribute towards building a stronger community.
The inaugural event was more than just a celebration of talent. It was a reminder that young people need platforms, encouragement and opportunities to grow. Through the Nthole Ko Thole initiative and the Ntaladipichi Foundation, Silanda hopes to continue making a meaningful difference, one young person and one community at a time.
