SiYAYA is back—fighting HIV/AIDS and celebrating life!!

Since 1999, Saint Joan of Arc, at the behest of parishioner Chuck MacDonald has developed a caring and supportive relationship with Reverend Spiwo Xapile(speaking to the right with Siyaya Musical Director Bongani Magatyana), Presbyterian pastor of the JL Zwane congregation in Guguletu, South Africa and its fantastic singing and dancing group SiYAYA. That relationship has continued to the present day with the leadership of SJA parishioner Pat Murphy and Fr. Jim Cassidy and in collaboration with Kevin Winge, Executive Director of Open Arms (see below). Together, with their respective congregations, care is given to those affected by HIV/AIDS in the poverty stricken township of Guguletu. But at 7 pm on Wednesday, September 20th it was not the devastating poverty or the ravage of HIV/AIDS that was the focus in St. Joan’s gym but SiYAYA—a soul-filled, God-spirited celebration of life. You know the spirit is moving with children 3 and 4 years old are spontaneously dancing in the aisles!!

Beginning with the Sign of Peace, Wednesday evening the SJA community warmly welcomed SiYAYA—the talented and spirit-filled singers and dancers from the JL Zwane Center in Guguletu, South Africa. SiYAYA's music is a fusion of traditional African songs, opera, jazz and pop. Musical director, Bongani Magatyana, arranges and composes most of the material as well as choreographs the numbers. Their music is exhilarating. They are not only entertaining—they are inspiring. In every concert, SiYAYA does AIDS education through music. Their songs on the ABC's of AIDS - abstain, be faithful, use condoms - were the highlight of their performances.

The mission of the JL Zwane church and centre is to provide a range of services to the local community. The main focus of the service includes HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support programs, nutrition, hospice, music and drama as well as an after-school study program for young learners. Previously the church was the center in the community for the struggle against apartheid. The church is named after its founder, JL Zwane who is remembered for his commitment to reconciliation and peace. More information about the JL Zwane congregation can be found at www.jlzwane.sun.ac.za/churchhistory.htm.

You could live a lifetime in Cape Town, South Africa and never go to Guguletu township. Though only 12 miles from the city center, most South Africans only see Guguletu from the insulating safety of a car. Makeshift wood and cardboard roofs rise from the squatter camps that line the highways leading to Cape Town's beaches but a passerby would miss the richness of the talented and spirited performance that SiYAYA brings to their beloved Guguletu—fighting HIV/AIDS through celebrating life!!

After sharing the Lord’s prayer, a free will offering was taken. As a finale and a sign of friendship between SJA and the JL Zwane congregation, Fr. Cassidy asked all those in the audience who had visited South Africa come on stage and join SiYAYA in the South African national anthem.

SiYAYA CDs were available for sale.

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Phil Klees contributed this report.

OPEN ARMS This year, 2006, marks the 20th year since Open Arms began preparing and delivering meals to people living with HIV/AIDS. Throughout their history, Open Arms has been a welcoming place for the clients they serve and for all who come through their doors to help accomplish their mission. In recognition of their 20th anniversary and expansive efforts to serve even more people with HIV/AIDS and other diseases, SJA is pleased to share a partnership with http://www.openarmsmn.org/.