Thato Qofela first performed 'pantsula', a symbol of Black South African culture and resistance to the apartheid regime, in his childhood backyard. Now, he is helping to revive the dance style and take it on to the global stage.
The quick-stepping, energetic and syncopated dance originated among Black youth living in townships like Qofela's Katlehong under the apartheid government's system of racial segregation, which ended in 1994. It became a vehicle for social and political expression and resistance.
It later enjoyed popularity among South Africans of different races, but waned somewhat as modern dance styles gained prominence. For Qofela, too, pantsula was more than just entertainment. It helped him stay out of trouble while growing up in Katlehong, where riots against the apartheid government were a regular feature of life.
For other troupe members like 33-year-old Thulisile Binda, being able express herself through the dance has provided a way to deal with life's challenges.Via Katlehong is now also attracting attention at home.
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