COSBIE Mbele's mission is to see teaching of the arts in schools and universities continue.

COSBIE Mbele's mission is to see teaching of the arts in schools and universities continue.

Mbele has established an arts project that will honour those who keep the arts torch burning.

Mbele wants to celebrate people who go the extra mile to make sure the arts do not disappear from schools and universities

"These teachers will be chosen by students," Mbale says. "If students know outstanding art teachers who devote their time to helping and motivating pupils and students through the arts, they can e-mail the teachers' names, school or university names and a brief one-page essay describing the teacher's activities there ."

Mbele points out that they are looking for individuals who are teaching music, drama and dance. She says with this move she hopes to encourage more teachers to devote their time to the arts and not allow this craft to die.

The event takes place at the University of Johannesburg on March 28.

Mbele has a strong academic background in music. She says her aim is to see many students studying music using their degrees to earn a better living.

She says her aim is to encourage those studying music not to rely on performances but also to understand the business side of it.

Mbele says she want to change the perception that the performing arts is not a career.