admin
Langalakhe Mabena
Organisers of the annually held Umthwente International Cultural Expo have revealed that preparations for this year’s event, set for White City Youth Arena on 27 July, are on advanced stages.
The event- on its eighth edition, is organised and spearheaded by Matabeleland Cultural Awards trust.
Acclaimed chief Mbusi Dakamela of Nkayi in Matebeleland North will be the guest of honour.
All-female group Thandanani Women’s Ensemble, will be the centre of attraction as they are the main performers on stage.
Philani Ncube who is one of the organisers of the show said that all is well for the event to kick start and they are looking forward to having a number of people in attendance as the event is all about encouraging black men to embrace their culture.
“All is set for our annual Umthwente International Cultural Expo to take place. We will have cultural players across Matabeleland who will be exhibiting their work regardless of economic hardship in the country that makes it hard for a lot of the cultural players to be part of such an event.
“Our guest of honour is chief Dakamela and it’s a privilege to have someone of great importance like him gracing our event. We will have different cultural exhibitors, poets as well as performers like Thandanani Women’s Ensemble, as well as Ingono Yemsamo,” said Ncube.
He revealed that a number of primary schools will also grace the event.
“When we look back, you will realise that as people we no longer embrace our culture like what our old folks did. We have been carried away and that has destroyed who we are.
“As a way of correcting that, we will have different primary schools who will grace the event. The aim is to make sure that they are enlightened on issues that have to do with our culture. They will also perform traditional dances on the day,” said Ncube.
Online Reporter