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Dean’s Concert pays tribute to events that shaped our country

Academics

11 August 2026

The Journeys That Carried Us! The Dean's Concert 2026, presented by the Faculty of Arts and Design, Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), is a powerful musical production that transforms the stage into a symbolic railway, where every song is a station and every performance carries audiences through stories of courage, resilience, hope and celebration.

The production, staged in collaboration with the South African State Theatre on 9 September at 19:00 in the Drama Theatre, will open this year's TUT Arts Festival, which will take place on the TUT Arts Campus from 10 – 12 September.

The Journeys That Carried Us! invites audiences to reflect on the people and moments that have shaped South Africa’s history through music that connects cultures, memories and generations.

The production honours the enduring legacy of photographer Sam Nzima, commemorates the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising and celebrates the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women's March. Through outstanding musical performances and compelling storytelling, the concert pays tribute to the youth and women whose bravery and determination helped shape the nation's democratic future.

This extraordinary production promises an evening of exceptional entertainment and artistic excellence. The Dean's Concert 2026 is an inspiring journey that celebrates the transformative power of music to preserve memory, foster unity, inspire future generations and where audience members become part of the journey.

The Journeys That Carried Us! The Dean’s Concert 2026 is an original story by Dr Rostislava Pashkevitch-Ngobeni, Head of the Department: Performing Arts, who is also the production's director. The rest of the creative team consists of: Production Manager & Lighting Designer: Wandile Mgcodo; Sound Designer: Freddy Malesa; Choreographer: Sidney Agnew; and Band Leader & Arrangements: Thami Mhlangu. The cast consists of Music, Opera, Dance and Theatre Arts & Design (Theatre Arts & Performance) students. The crew consists of Theatre Arts & Design (Technical Theatre & Design) students.

Guest Performances
Nhlanhla Ngema and the Soweto Youth Orchestra.

BOOKINGS & TICKETS
Tickets are R150 per person and are available online via Webtickets and at Pick n Pay outlets nationwide.

Special Discounts
Student Price: R50

Group Discounts
2 to 5 tickets: 5% discount – R142.50
6 to 10 tickets: 10% discount – R135
11 to 15 tickets: 15% discount – R127.50
16 tickets and above: 20% discount – R120

MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Bongani Nicholas Ngomane
PR and Communications
South African State Theatre

Tel: 072 700 6030
Email: bongani@statetheatre.co.za

Phaphama Tshisikhawe
University Spokesperson
Tshwane University of Technology
Tel: 066 211 1441
Email: Tshisikhawerpt@tut.ac.za

DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA
Website: www.statetheatre.co.za
General Enquiries: 012 392 4000
Follow the South African State Theatre
Facebook: The South African State Theatre
Instagram: @sastatetheatre
X: @sastatetheatre
Watch SAST TV https://www.statetheatre.co.za/tvchannel/ Dean's concert