admin“I have visited a number of cultural centres and I strongly feel it is high time those involved classified what they would be exhibiting for people to understand,” he said.
Nyathi also said such centres become resource centres that could only be effective if the theoretical aspect is turned into something practical.
“The effort put in setting up of such centres is good, but for them to be effective; they should be aggressive in turning their ideas into something practical.
“What is required is to utilise these facilities as resource centres that can be used to elaborate on our proverbs that depict our heritage, not just focusing on the collection of artifacts,” he said.
Quoting an isiNdebele proverb “Uphakathi Kwelitshe leMbokodo”, Nyathi said if teachers were well versed in the country’s heritage, they would simply symbolise the hardships faced by one in a tricky situation.
Nyathi said the final stage would be implementing educational lessons.
“Developing lessons that explain the significance of the way structures were set up is crucial in educating the new generation.
“For instance, most of the huts were built in a circular manner and this did not end there as it could also be seen in basketry and sculpture in the form of clay pots,” he said.
A broad menu of traditional foods complemented the event.
As an appetiser, guests were given the wild sweet fruit popularly known as umnyii, the main course was sadza made out of amabele, with ezangaphakathi, amacimbi and peanut buttered vegetables and watermelons for dessert.
Speaking at the same occasion the deputy head of Mtshede Primary School, Thandie Nkomo, hailed women for spearheading the setting up of the cultural centres.
“It gives me so much pride to look at these structures that were set up by women,” she said.
Audrey Botha from the Academy of Arts said the initiative was good as it reflected people who are truly proud of their heritage.
“We are also here to support some of the pupils whom we have been grooming in the past two months for a big event set to be held in the city in May,” she said.
A local dance group, Umvimbi Arts, the school’s drama group, traditional dancers and choir also graced the event. One of the staff members also staged an energetic poetry session.
The event was graced by a number of dignitaries who included Mzilikazi Senator Matson Hlalo, school heads, district education officers and officials from the Mzilikazi District Cultural Centre.
Online Reporter