Johannesburg, 1 December 2016 – A crowd of hip-hop dancers and performers gathered at Leeuwkop Prison Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre to show their support to young prison inmates. In line with World Aids Day, The Zinto Marketing Group (Zinto) gave an educational talk on practicing safe sex as well as the importance of HIV testing and antiretroviral treatment.  

The outreach programme also seeks to empower the youth as part of a rehabilitation programme aimed at supporting young prisoners while they are serving their sentences. As the initiative is driven by inmates, success relies solely on the contributions and sponsorships received from external parties.  Zinto donated the sound, stage and production for a showcase of talented singers and energetic dancers.

The performances by Self Made Dancers, Floor Rise, Keegan and Twyz encouraged unity among the prisoners. The juvenile prisoner’s choir also delivered a breath-taking rendition of ‘Nomvula’, originally written and performed by singing sensation Nathi Manka.  

The campaign forms part of Zinto’s corporate social investment where they are actively involved in the upliftment of young imprisoned youth by integrating them for a day with ordinary young citizens who make a living through the performing arts and address the issue of social reintegration.

Michelle Combrinck founder of Zinto says, “Zinto is hugely involved in social reintegration through hip-hop dance and performance which encourages young people not to get involved in crime, drug or alcohol abuse but to focus their energy on dance and any other art form as a means of achieving a natural ‘high’”.  

Zinto focuses on youth development by employing many young and upcoming artists, actors, dancers and performers by developing their expertise and experience so that they have the necessary skills and tools to grow themselves into established brands. Through music, dance, the spoken word and industrial theatre many of Zinto’s road shows communicate a message of healthy living and success through the arts.    

The ceremony ended with a candle-lit memorial service in respect of the late Nkosi Johnson who passed away from Aids at a young age in 2001. 

 For more information about Zinto, visit www.zinto.co.za