Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
FORMER South African First Lady Nompumelelo Ntuli-Zuma has been unveiled as a special guest at this year’s Amatshitshi Cultural Festival, with organisers promising a vibrant celebration of Ndebele culture, music and the empowerment of young women at White City Stadium in Bulawayo on August 29.
The festival, organised by Sigiya Ngamasiko Ethu, will be staged in Bulawayo for the first time and is expected to attract amatshitshi (young maidens) from across Matabeleland and beyond. The event seeks to celebrate culture, dignity, values and heritage while creating a platform for young women to embrace and take pride in their identity.
Ntuli-Zuma, who served as South Africa’s First Lady during the presidency of her former husband, Jacob Zuma, is expected to add regional prominence to the occasion. Organisers say her presence aligns with the festival’s broader mission of encouraging young women to celebrate their cultural roots and uphold positive values.
Her participation comes amid growing interest in initiatives aimed at preserving indigenous traditions and ensuring that cultural knowledge and values are passed on to future generations.
Festival-goers can also look forward to a rich entertainment programme featuring performances by Mzoe 7, Macala Macala, La Dee, Novuyo Seagirl, Majozi, Khaya Arts, Dziba Le Mvula and umAfricakazi.
Sigiya Ngamasiko Ethu co-founder Ashley Moyo said the festival seeks to honour young women who uphold cultural values while encouraging parents, guardians and elders to play a stronger role in mentoring the younger generation.
She said this year’s programme would blend entertainment with education through a variety of cultural and heritage-focused activities.
“We have amatshitshi in different parts of Matabeleland, but this will be the first time young maidens from different regions gather together in Bulawayo to celebrate themselves, their values and our shared cultural identity. We have exciting activities lined up for the event, including cultural exhibitions, traditional cuisine, a street parade, interactive workshops and performances celebrating our heritage.
“For the maidens, there will also be a camp ahead of the festival where they will participate in cultural games and receive teachings from elders and grandmothers (Ogogo), who continue to play an important role in passing down values and traditions from one generation to another,” she said.
Moyo said organisers hope the festival will be more than just a day of entertainment.
Instead, they want it to spark meaningful discussions about cultural identity, heritage and the place of African traditions in modern society.
Established in 2020, the Amatshitshi Festival was founded to promote cultural preservation while instilling positive values in young people. The initiative focuses on creating a supportive environment where young girls can learn more about their cultural identity, self-worth, Ubuntu and the traditions that shape their communities.
Over the years, the festival has grown into a public platform that recognises and celebrates amatshitshi while bringing together parents, elders, cultural custodians and communities in a shared effort to preserve heritage.
The Amatshitshi Festival also forms part of the broader build-up to this year’s King Mzilikazi commemorations, which are scheduled to take place on September 4 and 5 at eMhlahlandlela in the Matobo area.
