Online Reporter
Nodumo Moyo, [email protected]
THE annual TiBaKalanga Festival will return to Bulilima District in Matabeleland South on August 15 and 16, bringing together communities in a vibrant celebration of Kalanga culture through traditional performances, competitions and community activities designed to preserve and promote the people’s rich heritage.
Organised by the TG Silundika Cultural Community Centre (TGSCCC), the festival traces its roots to a two-day international cultural marketing workshop held in July 2016. Inspired by the need to safeguard and showcase Kalanga traditions, the centre adopted the concept, which has since evolved into a flagship annual event celebrating the community’s cultural identity.
The two-day programme promises a colourful showcase of tradition and talent, featuring traditional dance performances, a choral competition, the Miss TiBaKalanga Beauty Pageant, a traditional food competition, a 10-kilometre race, a seniors’ walk, an under-12 race, as well as exhibitions of intricately woven baskets and other handmade traditional crafts.
Last year, Sifiso Candice Ngwenya emerged as Miss TiBaKalanga, while Nicleta Nkomo was crowned first princess and Princess Ncube took the title of second princess.
TGSCCC Management Team secretary and Miss TiBaKalanga co-ordinator Mendy Sibanda said preparations for this year’s festival had been completed and excitement was building ahead of the highly anticipated gathering.
“All is in place for the festival that showcases Kalanga traditional dances, bead making, basketry, traditional food, language and other customs. It is our way of ensuring that our cultural heritage is preserved and passed on to the younger generation,” said Sibanda.
She said the festival provides an important platform for young people to connect with their roots and play an active role in preserving and celebrating their cultural heritage through a wide range of activities and competitions.
“The Miss TiBaKalanga Beauty Pageant empowers young women by boosting their confidence while preserving the vibrant heritage of the Kalanga people. Dance performances, choral competitions, traditional food contests and sporting activities bring together people of all ages, showing that culture lives when the community comes together,” Sibanda said.
According to Sibanda, the festival continues to attract visitors from across Zimbabwe and the diaspora, while creating opportunities for Ward 6 residents and strengthening efforts to promote Kalanga cultural heritage through the TG Silundika Cultural Community Centre.
