Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
PREPARATIONS for the inaugural Tshitaudze Heritage Festival have gathered momentum, with National Chiefs Council of Zimbabwe president Chief Mtshane Khumalo expected to officiate as guest of honour at the three-day cultural extravaganza in Beitbridge District next week.
The festival will run from September 25 to 27 at Tshitaudze Cultural Village in Mpande under the guidance of Chief Tshitaudze, with organisers targeting more than 2 000 participants drawn from communities, schools and the business sector.
An update meeting held on September 17 at the Beitbridge District Development Coordinator’s boardroom heard that preparations were at an advanced stage, with the DDC, Miss Sikhangazile Mafu, receiving progress reports from various sub-committees.
Other expected guests include Vice-President Kembo Mohadi, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Cde Albert Nguluvhe, Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Omphile Marupi and South Africa’s Ndebele Kingdom family.
University of Venda and Makhado Municipality representatives from Limpopo Province are also expected, alongside host legislator Fisani Moyo, who is a major sponsor, and representatives from universities and colleges.
The organisers said preparations at the cultural village were progressing well, with cultural huts painted in Venda, Shangani and Sotho colours to reflect the communities under Chief Tshitaudze.
“On venue preparedness, painting of cultural huts has been completed in Venda, Shangani and Sotho colours to represent all communities under Chief Tshitaudze. Decor and tents have been mobilised,” said the organising committee.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care, DDC’s Office and Public Works Department are working to complete water, sanitation, backup power and the demarcation of exhibition and VIP areas.
More than 10 exhibitors have already registered, with the organisers calling on Ministries, Departments and Agencies, SMEs and private companies to participate.
Exhibition fees have been set at US$30 for MDAs, US$10 for SMEs and US$50 for private companies.
The festival is also expected to have a strong arts, culture and sport component, with 12 primary schools, nine secondary schools, three community groups and more than 20 artistes from Chief Tshitaudze’s area already registered.
Community cultural groups from the seven headmanships under Chief Tshitaudze have also been invited to perform.
A roadshow will be held at selected locations before the festival as part of efforts to raise awareness and mobilise attendance.
The International Organisation for Migration has pledged support for awareness programmes and will provide mobile clinics at Makhado on September 25 and at Tshitaudze Cultural Village from September 26 to 27.
Organisers said most media houses had been engaged, while festival T-shirt designs had been completed and replica merchandise was already on sale.
Directional signage will also be erected at Makhado, Mpande and Maine turn-offs, while flyers and a festival brochure featuring registered artistes are being distributed.
Transport arrangements are also being put in place, with buses secured from Sekuru Ndife, Mbedzi Tours and Zezani High School, while more are being sought from other schools.
A shunting truck has been secured from Mr Soneni Muleya, while Mr Sinkwa has pledged bread and a vehicle for the roadshows.
Each headman has been tasked with mobilising 200 people to attend the festival.
The organising committee appealed to businesses, Government departments and agencies and well-wishers to assist with transport, catering and infrastructure requirements, while urging the public to attend in large numbers.
The festival is expected to showcase the cultural heritage of communities under Chief Tshitaudze while creating a platform for cultural exchange, tourism promotion, enterprise development and community participation.
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