People on the Move

With SboNdaba Dance: Litha Makanda, Lusindiso Dibela, Sinazo Mxeli, Sonwabile Mhlonyane, Vuyolwethu Mdluli, Wanie Johannes, Asemahle Dayimani, Akhona Mpoza, Clayton Jannike, Bartholomew Pietersen, Davidine Diamond

Have we forgotten that many South Africans were once people on the move?

Directed and choreographed by the award winning Sbonakaliso Ndaba, People on the Move is a powerful new dance-theatre production exploring migration, displacement and the universal search for belonging.

Drawing inspiration from the journeys of political activists, musicians, scholars, writers and ordinary people, the production connects contemporary experiences of displacement with South Africa’s own history of exile. The work is underscored by the music and extraordinary journeys of three legendary South African artists who lived and worked in exile during apartheid: Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela and Abdullah Ibrahim.

Through African contemporary dance, music, spoken word and theatre, People on the Move asks: What does it mean to leave home, to lose a sense of belonging, and to find a place in the world?
A timely and deeply human work about the journeys that divide us — and the experiences that connect us.

SboNdaba Dance was honoured with the Woordfees 2025 In Solidarity Award, recognising the company’s work in using dance to challenge, uplift and unite audiences.

Choreography Sbonakaliso Ndaba
Composition and Musical Adaptation Zinziswa Nogavu
Design Leopald Senekal

Supported by the National Lotteries Commission, Dance for All(Switzerland), The Dokoda Fine Bursary