Online Reporter
Nkosilathi Sibanda, Joshua Muswere
HUNDREDS of people converged at White City Stadium in Bulawayo on Saturday for the Amatshitshi Cultural Festival, with speakers urging young girls to preserve their virginity, uphold cultural values and safeguard traditions that have for generations helped bind communities together.
The festival, organised by Sigiya Ngamasiko Ethu, brought together traditional leaders, Government representatives, cultural activists, parents and young girls in a celebration aimed at promoting the preservation of Ndebele culture and passing traditional knowledge on to the younger generation.
Also in attendance were chiefs from Matabeleland South and delegates from South Africa, among them former South African First Lady Nompumelelo Ntuli Zuma.
The guest of honour, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Bulawayo Province Judith Ncube, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting the growth and well-being of young people, describing them as the foundation of Zimbabwe’s future.
“Bantwami ligcine, ligcine ubuntombi benyu. This is the kind of community driven, culturally rooted programme that the Government is proud to sling behind. This is why the Ministry of Sport, Art, Recreation and Culture has taken interest in this initiative.
“Therefore, the same interest taken by the Ministry of Health and Child Care has come to the table because the well-being of the girl child cannot be separated from her health, her safety or her future.
“I’m also deeply encouraged that this celebration of culture has drawn interest well beyond our borders. We are honoured to be joined by representatives of kingdoms from outside Zimbabwe. I welcome Mrs Nompumelo Ntuli-Zuma, the former First Lady of South Africa, who has shared her insights to our young maidens. Her presence here is an affirmation here is a reminder that the preservation of African culture, dignity and heritage,” she said.
A major highlight of the programme was a series of educational presentations focusing on the importance of cultural identity, discipline and the preservation of virginity and purity among Amatshitshi. Speakers encouraged the girls to value themselves, respect their bodies and make decisions that uphold their dignity while resisting social pressures that could undermine their cultural and moral values.
The gathering also provided a platform for elders and traditional leaders to share knowledge with the younger generation on the role of culture in shaping responsible individuals and fostering cohesive communities. More than 200 girls participated in a series of camps throughout August as part of preparations for the festival.
The camps were designed to equip the girls with cultural knowledge and prepare them for their participation in the festival, while also laying the groundwork for activities leading up to the King Mzilikazi Day celebrations scheduled for September.
Organisers said the camps formed an important component of the programme as they gave the girls an opportunity to learn about their cultural heritage away from the pressures and distractions of everyday life.
The Amatshitshi concept traditionally places emphasis on young girls learning cultural values, discipline, personal responsibility and respect for their communities.
The festival therefore sought to revive and strengthen a practice that organisers believe can play a significant role in preserving Ndebele identity at a time when young people are increasingly exposed to a variety of cultural influences through social media and modern lifestyles.
Organisers said the programme would continue beyond the festival, with the girls expected to remain actively involved in cultural activities as preparations intensify for King Mzilikazi Day in September.
