Connections Matter: Drama Therapy restoring refugee families brutalised by poverty and xenophobia

“Drama saved me.” These words encapsulate the journey of Nonkululeko Busika, who found her voice in the most unexpected place—on the stage. Growing up as the quiet twin in a family of five, Nonkululeko was always reflective and deeply aware but often suppressed her own feelings to avoid disappointing her mother. A pivotal moment arrived in Grade 7 when drama was introduced in the classroom. It was here, while performing a simple storytelling task, that she experienced a profound sense of liberation. The laughter, camaraderie, and sheer joy of expression opened up a new world where she could finally voice her internal struggles.

“I was not the child who spoke, but I never wanted to disappoint my mother because my good report cards were at least the smile on her face, so I pushed for that. I may have also negated my own feelings,” recalled Nonkululeko.

“For the first time in grade seven, when drama was introduced to us…performing it was just amazing for me…and from there, I just felt as though that was the one safety space I can definitely enter to into to make meaning of my life to understand what is it that I was going through,” she added.

This newfound space became their sanctuary—a place where she could explore emotions she couldn’t express at home or anywhere else.

As Nonkululeko moved through high school, drama continued to be her refuge. Alongside a close friend, she created and performed pieces ranging from lighthearted to increasingly complex and dark, mirroring her developmental shifts. Her passion for drama deepened, but it wasn’t until university that she discovered the true potential of her craft. Initially driven by a desire to simply perform, Nonkululeko soon realized that drama could be a powerful tool for education and social transformation, leading her to embrace applied theatre.

This deep connection to drama also shaped Nonkululeko commitment to working with children, particularly those facing similar struggles she once knew. Raised by a single mother who instilled in them the belief that they could achieve anything, she now strives to pass on that same sense of possibility to children who may not have the same support. Her work is rooted in a profound empathy for those she serves, understanding that every individual’s journey is unique and that healing cannot be imposed from the outside.

“It is problematic for me to impose what I have understood as healing onto somebody else… Healing is understood in different ways in different cultures and backgrounds.” She believes true healing begins with acknowledging each person as a whole human being, not merely a problem to solve. This holistic approach, born from her own experiences, guides her work and her unwavering commitment to using drama as a tool for empowerment and transformation.