BRC Newsflash: 4-6 April 2025
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The Buddhist Retreat Centre |
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Ixopo, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
For people of all religions |
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BRC Newsflash: 4-6 April 2025 Dear Friends, Gcina MhlopheGcina Mhlophe, South African gem, celebrated storyteller, multi-talented artist and award-winning author is offering a weekend retreat entitled “The Power of Ancestral Wisdoms Through Storytelling” at the BRC from 4-6 April. The operative word in Gcina's work is sharing. In the fast world we now live in, now more than ever before, we need to hear ourselves and each other, in calm, serene spaces. Gcina truly believes that every living person has a story to tell. That is why she is humbled in the knowledge that each time she tells a story, she wakes up stories in other people. Together we will not only embrace the natural beauty of the environment, the undulating Ixopo hills, the blue skies above and the fresh air we breathe - we will delve deep into our memory banks. Dr Gcina Mhlophe is a versatile and multi-talented artist who has left an indelible mark on the literary and performance arts in South Africa and beyond. From her early childhood, she was captivated by her grandmother's storytelling, which sparked her love for the spoken and written word. She has since become an award-winning author, poet, playwright, director, and performer, showcasing her talent on some of the world's most prestigious stages. In addition to her artistic contributions, Gcina has also been a champion for literacy in South Africa, running the NOZINCWADI Mother of Books Literacy Campaign since 2001. Her efforts have been recognized with numerous honorary doctorates and awards, including the National ICON Award from MZANSI MAGIC TV Channel and the Kennedy Centre International Artists Gold Award. |
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Gcina's works have been widely celebrated, and she has released several CDs, including Songs & Stories of Africa, which won a SAMA award. She has also collaborated with other artists to produce projects that promote African culture, such as the IMILOLOZELO CD, which seeks to resuscitate the culture of African children's rhymes and rhythms with jazz music. In the theatre world, Gcina has received critical acclaim for her performances, winning an OBIE Award in New York for her role in Born in the RSA. Her autobiographical play, Have You Seen Zandile? has also earned her several awards, including the Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh Festival, the Sony Award for Radio Drama from BBC Africa, and the Joseph Jefferson Award in Chicago. Gcina has founded and directed various storytelling companies, including the Zanendaba storytelling company in Johannesburg, which has helped to preserve the heritage of African storytelling. Her contributions to literature and the arts have been recognized with honorary doctorates from prestigious institutions such as the London Open University, University of KwaZulu – Natal, Pretoria University, and Fort Hare. Overall, Gcina Mhlophe's talent, passion, and dedication to her craft and the promotion of African culture have earned her a well-deserved place among the most celebrated artists in South Africa and the world. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of artists and performers. Her latest accolade is the Inaugural USIBA Cultural Legend Award from the Minister of Arts and Culture in May 2018. 24 October – Dr Mhlophe’s birthday shall be recognized as NATIONAL STORYTELLING DAY celebrated all over South Africa. |
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About the BRCPerched on a ridge at the head of a valley in the Umkomaas river system in KwaZulu-Natal, the Buddhist Retreat Centre looks out on a vista of indigenous valleys, forests and rolling hills receding like waves in the blue distance. Here, for forty-five years, people of all religions and none have come to experience peace and tranquillity. It is a gentle, sympathetic space where one can be still and get in touch with oneself and reflect on the things that crowd one's life. The BRC was voted by CNN as one of the ten best meditation centres in the world. The BRC was awarded Natural Heritage status in 1995 under the auspices of the Department of Environmental Affairs and received a certificate to that effect signed by President Nelson Mandela for turning an eroded farm into the natural paradise it has become - thousands of indigenous trees were planted by retreatants under the supervision of Mervyn Croft - with 160 species of birds, including the Blue Swallow, otter, deer, antbear and indigenous forests. The Centre was also given the special status of “Custodian of the Blue Swallow” for its work in preserving the breeding areas of this endangered bird. The BRC facilitated the founding of Woza Moya, the community-based NGO, located in Ufafa Valley, twenty-two years ago, on the estate. Their vision is for all people in the community to be healthy and productive, to live in a safe and clean environment, with good access to services and social justice. The Centre continues to support the organisation by showcasing their crafts in the shop and sponsoring their trainers and consultants. We have been very touched by your appreciative letters, emails and friendship towards the BRC - your spiritual home from home. How you can help to keep the Dharma wheels turning at the BRC and continue its legacy for the future: Become a Spiritual friend by:
The continued existence of the Centre as a sanctuary Buddhist philosophy and teachings is dependent on the goodwill and support of our Sangha. Chrisi Visit our website for further information, directions, image gallery etc. |
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