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Bhekumuzi Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter
WORLD renowned cultural site, Amagugu International Heritage Centre (AIHC) is yet again set to host thousands of people in an event dubbed the Festive Season Cultural Retreat slated for 16 December.
In July, Amagugu hosted the successful annual Amagugu Festival and the programmes manager of the centre, Butholezwe Kgosi Nyathi said FSCR is designed to connect people with Matopo’s distinguished nature and for guests to view the beautiful Amagugu site.
“Preparations are at an advanced stage. Currently we are spreading the message for everyone across the globe to make a date with Amagugu this festive season. Amagugu was declared a world heritage centre, hence everyone is invited.
“Cultural retreat will give people an exhilarating cultural experience. The rains are falling and the therapeutic scent of wet soil, sound of chirping birds and the tranquil of the Matopo environs is what we want the people to experience. It’s the festive season after all,” he said.
“This is a refreshing family day that will connect you with nature while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Matobo. We are particularly inviting the visiting diaspora community. We know they long for such an experience, something that connects them with their past. At Amagugu we offer nothing but cultural recreation,” he said.
Last year’s event was a tremendous success as it featured performances from traditional groups like Mokorimba and Ntswayintswayi dance groups from Botswana and Mutare in Zimbabwe respectively.
Ibumba International Arts Festival featuring South Africa’s Black Motion closed last year show, and Nyathi said this year’s event will be much greater as there will be traditional dance and music that will interface with contemporary creativity.
“Those who will make it to the event will be required to pay a $5 entrance fee. It’s a self-catering event in terms of food and drinks. People should bring their own braai packs and our team will assist in the preparation. Activities will include our traditional Braai on the Rocks experience, Tour of Murals, nature walks, mountain climbing, traditional dances and music at Amagugu’s 300 seater gazebo,” he said.
During mountain climbing, visitors will get a lifetime opportunity to view the sacred Njelele Shrine which people are forbidden to go near.
This year, Amagugu hoisted its flag and commissioned a memorial in honour of Reverend Bowen Rees and a gallery whose inaugural exhibition featured the life and times of Reverend Rees.
Nyathi said people will get the opportunity to view the new Marieke Clarke gallery.
“Visitors will get the chance to view the beautiful new art gallery named after Marieke Clarke who was an educator, former teacher in Zimbabwe and former Oxfam educational materials editor.
Marieke is the author of We are the Original People, co-authored with Queen Lozikeyi Dlodlo and Phathisa Nyathi. The gallery was officially opened by Voti Thebe, the Director of the National Gallery in Bulawayo,” he said.
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