Durban – August 2026
Mayibuyi Youth Organisation was recently honoured to be invited by the Durban University of Technology (DUT) to attend the prestigious 47th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) hosted at Suncoast Casino in Durban.
The DIFF, one of Africa’s oldest and most respected film festivals, brought together filmmakers, students, and community organisations from across the continent to celebrate African storytelling and social justice through film.
Learning Through Film
For Mayibuyi, the festival was more than just watching films – it was a powerful learning experience.
Our delegation gained valuable insights into key areas that align with our work in KZN townships:
- Peace Building: Delegates learned how film is used as a tool to promote peace, healing, and dialogue in communities affected by violence and conflict. The stories screened highlighted the importance of forgiveness, unity, and youth activism.
- Factors Affecting Immigration: Through powerful documentaries and panel discussions, our team deepened their understanding of the challenges facing immigrants in South Africa and across Africa – including xenophobia, poverty, unemployment, and access to documentation. This learning is critical for Mayibuyi’s peace and social cohesion programmes in eThekwini District (Durban).
- Behind the Scenes of Filmmaking: We also learnt and understood the hard work behind the production of a film. From scriptwriting and directing to editing and funding, the festival revealed the discipline, teamwork, and creativity needed to bring a story to life on screen.
Chairperson Expresses Gratitude
Speaking after the festival, Siviwe Benya, Chairperson of Mayibuyi Youth Organisation, expressed his appreciation:
“On behalf of Mayibuyi Youth Organisation, I am so thankful for the opportunity and the invite extended by the Durban University of Technology. Being invited to the 47th Durban International Film Festival at Suncoast has opened our eyes. We have learned that film can build peace, explain immigration, and create jobs for our youth. We are proud to have been part of this international event.”
A Proud Partnership
Mayibuyi Youth Organisation would like to thank DUT and the DIFF organising team for recognising the role of community youth organisations and for opening this platform to township youth.
The knowledge gained will be shared with over 400 young people that Mayibuyi works with annually through our peace building and crime prevention workshops.
