30/01/2024
We travel to find Dreams
A Letter from our Executive Director Emma Sithole 📝
‘Today is 10 years to the day since Boysie Gumede and I came up with the idea to develop a creative platform for people to express themselves in Durban, South Africa. Our initial vision was centred around working with high school students, providing them with much needed extra-curricular activities. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that Be United would transform into what it has become today. Our journey has taken us across borders and into diverse cultures, crafting an extraordinary international path. Over the past ten years, Be United has not only employed hundreds of talented artists but has also produced and programmed numerous memorable events, leaving an indelible mark in both Scotland and South Africa. It’s been 10 years of incredible highs and crushing lows, the emotional roller coaster of our Charity growing, developing and thriving. There have been countless highlights, too numerous to recount.
Today marks the new dawn and the next decade for Be United. We have evolved, grown and we are here to stay. Be United’s next decade will be one of depth; depth in our impact and growing our influence, as this is crucial to our ongoing commitment to pave the way for truly inclusive creative sectors. Our purpose remains unwavering – to contribute to a more united, inspired and enriched world. We will strengthen the international connections between South Africa and Scotland. We will continue to provide the best programs and opportunities to every individual, group, and organisation we encounter. Our values of excellence, equity, and empowerment are clear, and our mission to advocate, nurture, and celebrate Black people working in the performing arts, screen, and events sectors remains.
Our next decade will be phenomenal. Trust us when we say, we’re just getting started.‘ - Emma Sithole, Executive Director & Co-Founder of Be United, .lush
