Rebranding the Arts: My Story, Our Mission

My name is Boitumelo Joy Oleseng. I was born and raised in Boichoko, Postmasburg, a place that didn’t just raise me, it shaped the man I’ve become. Growing up in Boichoko was vibrant. There was a heartbeat to our streets, a rhythm of ambition, creativity, and hope. Back then, Postmasburg gave artists real platforms to grow, especially when the local municipality played an active role across different community sectors. There was a sense of possibility.  

Today, Tsantsabane is growing. We’re seeing more people moving in, drawn by work opportunities. But while the town expanded, the chances for locals began to shrink. More jobs, yes. But fewer for us. That imbalance has led to real, painful social challenges, single-parent households, gangsterism, theft, teenage pregnancy, and rising unemployment. It broke my heart. And I knew: something needed to change. So, we did something. 

After many efforts to use art as a tool for education and liberation, we founded The CORE Edutainment Foundation. C-Creativity, O-Opportunity, R-Resilience, E-Empowerment. We created this space for our people, especially our youth because we could no longer wait for someone else to see our value. We had to start where we are, with what we have. 

The CORE was built on two big goals,

To build responsible citizens through in-school arts education and to support local artists in reaching a commercial level. 

We believe in edutainment, a fusion of education and entertainment to empower young people. Through the arts, we nurture life skills, build confidence, and open doors to real career pathways. Our core services include arts development & education, skills training & talent exposure and commercialization 

Our motto, “Rebranding the Arts,” is more than a slogan, it’s our mission. Too often, people see art as “just a hobby.” But we know that art is powerful. It’s a tool for learning, healing, innovation, and transformation. 

One of the biggest turning points in our journey was partnering with ASSITEJ South Africa and Buzz for Kids both supported by The Lesedi Solar Park Trust. These national leaders in arts and education believed in our vision and walked alongside us. Through ASSITEJ’s mentorship, we received professional training and tools that helped us run structured, high-quality programs in schools. 

They helped us grow, not just creatively, but also in governance, compliance, and strategic planning. Today, we operate with better credibility, stronger delivery standards, and a clear focus. We’re no longer asking for space, we’re building it. 

What stays with me the most are the daily transformations I get to witness. Shy children finding their voices. Learners expressing themselves and growing in confidence. It’s not just about helping them pass, it’s about helping them believe. 

This is more than a movement. It’s a message. It’s a belief that we, right here in Postmasburg can rebrand the arts and reshape our future. One child, one voice, one story at a time. 

There was a time when I saw Postmasburg as a place overlooked and under-resourced. Maar nou, I see something different. I see brilliance. A community rich in creativity, resilience, and untapped potential. 

I dream of a Postmasburg where young people don’t have to leave to be seen. 
A place where; talent is nurtured and creativity respected, education is the top priority, young people lead in politics, business, and innovation, tourism, art centres, and innovation hubs drive our local economy, mentorship becomes part of our culture. 

Outside of The CORE and Native Collexions Production, I remain active in community dialogues and mentorship programs. I do it because I know how life-changing it is when someone believes in you. When someone shows up. 

That’s why I keep showing up. Because I believe in our people, in our creativity, and in our future.