Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
Preparations for the second edition of the Gwambe Arts and Culture Festival are now in full swing. Organisers say this year’s event will be bigger and more exciting.
The festival will take place on 11 to 12 September at Gwambe Grounds in Bulilima District. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Our Heritage, Inspiring Future Generations”.
According to the organisation’s secretary, Sithembile Siqhoza, the festival is meant to showcase the rich culture of the Gwambe community through music, dance, art, food and community activities.
“This year’s theme shows our commitment to protecting the culture of Gwambe in Bulilima and to teaching young people to value and protect our traditions so they can pass them on,” said Siqhoza.
She said people who attend should expect two days full of colour and energy. The programme will include traditional music and dance, cultural exhibitions, traditional food, poetry, storytelling, arts and crafts displays. Schools and community groups will also perform.
“There will also be chances for people to learn about our culture, to meet each other and to take part in community activities,” she added.
“Visitors will enjoy cultural performances, learn about our customs and history, meet local artists and craftspeople, and feel the warmth of our heritage. It is an event for families, young people and the whole community.”
Although this is only the second time the festival is being held, Siqhoza said it has already made a big difference in Bulilima.
She said the festival had created awareness about the importance of protecting culture and that people now have a stronger sense of who they are and where they come from.
In addition, she said, more people are now proud of their traditions and want to pass them on to their children.
“One area where the impact is clear is in schools, considering that the festival supports the Heritage-Based Curriculum that is now being taught in schools,” said Siqhoza.
“The celebration gives learners and teachers a chance to learn about culture practically. They can see it, take part in it and celebrate it.”
She added that some learners from Gwambe are now representing their schools at other events in poetry and cultural activities.
“This has helped our children to gain confidence, to be creative and to learn new cultural skills. They are now ambassadors of our heritage. These are skills they will keep and share with others. In that way our culture will stay alive for many years,” said Siqhoza.
She emphasised that the festival aims to remind people that culture is not something of the past. It is something we live every day.
Siqhoza also said that with music, dance, food and stories, the event promises to be a celebration of identity and unity for the Gwambe community and beyond.
