Mbizo Primary determined to win crown

Bongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
MBIZO Primary School, Bulawayo provincial winners of the Jikinya Dance Festival have said they are determined to bring the national crown to the city.The winners, who beat nine other schools that participated in the traditional dance competition held at MacDonald Hall in Mzilikazi suburb on Thursday, will represent the province at the national finals to be held on November 28 at Belvedere Teachers’ College Great Hall in Harare.

The festival, running under the theme: Celebrating Cultural Diversity and Social Cohesion through Dance”, saw Mbizo walking away with a $500 prizemoney and $100 to buy costumes. They were also presented with a floating trophy. The schools’ drummer, coach and choreographer were also named as the best and were awarded for their efforts.

The dance group which relegated Queen Elizabeth and Mgiqika Primary schools which settled for second and third positions, said they were determined to win the national finals.

“We will ensure that we address all the shortcomings noted by the judges because we want to bring the crown home,” said Gloria Ndlovu, the teacher in charge of the drama group.

Ndlovu said she was excited that her pupils were the provincial winners despite the stiff competition.

“Competition was very stiff and credit should go to the other teachers for adequately preparing for the provincial finals. Winning this competition wasn’t easy,” she said.

Ndlovu said  schools were not just engaging in cultural extra curriculum activities to participate in competitions but mould pupils into responsible citizens.

“Such activities teach children about cultural diversity and create that sense of pride. Teaching this to the children is good as it develops them socially,” Ndlovu said.

Historian and culturalist Pathisa Nyathi who attended the competition made an appeal to the National Association of Primary School Heads (Naph) to train teachers properly on the country’s dances.

“Naph should take these teachers to the rural areas where these dances are alive. They should find people there who still practise the customs and traditions that come with the dances,” he said.