WITSIES WITH THE EDGE

[BAS 2017]

DIKELEDI OFENTSE PITSE

The first black South African woman to own and conduct an orchestra

Dikeledi Ofentse Pitse is the first black South African woman to own and conduct an orchestra.

Born in Mabopane in Pretoria, with no formal music education, the 29-year-old funds Anchored Sound, a 45-piece orchestra and 30-member choir, from her work in architecture. Her love of music was nurtured by playing the flugelhorn in the Salvation Army. Her grandfather was a trumpet player and her first instrument was a gift from an uncle, at the age of 12.

The orchestra started in a classroom in Tembisa on the East Rand in Ekurhuleni in 2017. Pitse selected interested youth from Tembisa, Katlehong and Soweto who wanted to sing and “jam”. Today they perform everything from Sibelius to Vivaldi and are working on classical African pieces, bolstered by mentorship from the University of Pretoria Symphony Orchestra conductor Gerben Grooten. “Apart from classical music, I infuse some jazz and pop elements,” she says. “It’s very collaborative. I don’t want to close off access too much because I believe everyone is teachable. I am learning a lot myself.”

Pitse, who was invited to participate in the 6th Forbes Woman Africa #LeadingWomanSummit on International Women’s Day in March, says she’s growing into her role. “How you stand, how you walk into rehearsal or the music stand — there’s a certain way that commands trust and respect.

“The confidence I get to stand there comes from preparation and architecture. At Wits, we constantly had to defend our ideas. Lecturers asked why you used a specific design element, as a result you gain assertiveness and find your voice. What I learned from my conducting coach added to what I learned at Wits.”

At such a young age, Pitse has an understanding of what it takes to be a leader and she’s had to dip into her own resources to meet the needs of the communities from which the members emerge. “For something as simple as having taxi money to come to rehearsals, I’ve had to make a lot of e-wallet and money transfers through supermarkets. I didn’t want them to feel that just because they were from a home below the basic income, they couldn’t be part of the orchestra. Beyond the music, it is a form of belonging, meeting up with people who are as enthusiastic and equally talented. I had to make a plan.” The expenses extend to booking rehearsal space and ensuring the musicians have something to eat.

Pitse knows what it takes to overcome obstacles and she’s said “I am a believer in the black narrative and a believer in the black child” during numerous interviews.

“I believe that they can occupy spaces where they are not easily welcomed. I speak a lot about my dream about performing in the Sydney Opera House. Even while we were in this tiny, hot classroom and many there were thinking ‘to what end?’. Representation is something that is important. They shouldn’t stop dreaming or feel less than because of where they come from.

“I grew up in a tough space raised by a single parent. The family value that we were raised on is ‘no one can steal education from you’. I woke up at 4am to make assembly at 7.30 am at an art school in an affluent neighbourhood. I had no business going to that school. I did not fit in by virtue of where I come from. I know what it feels like to be excluded.”

The acknowledgement of these feelings enables her to reach out today. “I understand what it feels like to be black. When I got to Wits I had two pairs of shoes. There were days when I went without food. I would go into the architecture studio to check who left some lunch during the break and just nibble on what I could. I know struggle and because I know it first-hand I am very aware. This is what fuels my passion. If I am able to influence another young person’s life, I will make it my mission until it happens.”