Sidumisile Mabena
Mthabisi Tshuma
ABOUT seven weeks ago, a group of Government officials arrived in Chief Fuyane’s jurisdiction in Matobo District, seeking to revive the region’s heritage through the establishment of a cultural centre.
The centre is set to be named Isizinda Cultural Village. Isizinda was ibutho to Chief Maphisa Fuyana, a respected regimental head and leader under King Mzilikazi.
In the same way Isizinda protected Maphisa, the Isizinda Cultural Centre is expected to safeguard the cultural identity and heritage of the people of Maphisa.
The artistic sanctuary is taking shape beside the rising structure of the new Maphisa Stadium, with both developments standing prominently near the Maphisa Rural District Council growth point — symbols of a future shaped by, and firmly anchored in, the echoes of the past.
The initiative forms part of a broader national vision designed to elevate creative and cultural industries, preserving ancestral knowledge while nurturing communities through the transformative influence of the arts.
Deliberately located near the activity surrounding the new stadium, the centre mirrors the layout of a traditional Ndebele homestead. It is being developed not as a temporary attraction but as a lasting cultural hub intended to preserve arts and heritage long after the celebrations of its opening fade.
The project will feature huts built in the style of a classic Ndebele village, as well as an exhibition hall, kiosk, changing rooms, performance stage and administration block — a collection of infrastructure that blends cultural nostalgia with practical purpose.
With construction now more than 75 percent complete, the centre is gradually shifting towards its mandate of becoming a living museum — a space where memory, architecture and identity intersect.
Speaking at the site on Thursday, Matabeleland South Provincial Deputy Director in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Promise Dube, said construction was progressing well, with completion expected before Independence Day.
“Construction works are going on as planned, and I must say we are happy with the progress, as works are 75 percent complete.
The centre is a Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture project whose aim is to promote the safeguarding and preservation of our culture,” said Dube.
He said the centre would serve as an academic environment where people could learn about the culture of the area and surrounding communities.
“The centre will also be a hub/resource centre to support MOPSE Heritage-based 5.0 Curriculum as it will also provide exhibition space for artefacts that are produced by creatives from the communities,” said Dube.
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