Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
HIS Royal Highness King Papa Paul Sande Etomeileng Emolot, the paramount chief of the Iteso people from Uganda and Kenya, is expected to attend the Imiklomelo ka Dakamela cultural festival as one of the distinguished international traditional leaders.
The much-anticipated event, also known as the Chief Dakamela Achievers’ Awards, is set to run from April 3 to 6 at Chief Dakamela’s homestead in Nkayi, Matabeleland North.
Also known as Emorimor (the one who unites), King Emolot III, President of the African Diaspora Kingdoms Alliance (AKDA), will use his visit to promote unity among the diverse African ethnic and tribal groups attending this year’s awards.
One of the organisers of the fourth edition of the awards, Ntando Ndlovu, confirmed King Papa Sande Emolot III’s appearance.
“King Papa Sande Emolot III will be among the royal guests at this year’s event. He joins other high-profile traditional leaders from across Southern Africa, including South Africa, Zambia, and Tanzania, as well as senior government officials who have endorsed the festival as a beacon of heritage and community development.
“His association with Imiklomelo kaDakamela is all about promoting Pan-African unity. He’s one figure who’s vocal in calling for Africa’s traditional custodians to align their voices to foster brotherhood and collective progress across the continent.
“Having him as a guest will cement the awards and Nkayi as one of the destinations that promote cultural tourism.
He’s a key figure at AKDA, which advocates for Africans based in the Diaspora to retrace their roots and invest back home, a vision that Chief Dakamela also has for the people of Nkayi,” said Ndlovu.
The visionary behind the awards, Chief Dakamela, said this year’s edition will focus on rural development and urged businesspeople and corporates to tap into opportunities in rural areas. He said such initiatives could fast-track development in marginalised communities, with both businesses and locals benefiting from sustained investment.
With Imiklomelo ka Dakamela recognised as one of the events driving rural tourism, Chief Dakamela said organisers are determined to live up to the status bestowed on the festival by the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry and prove that Nkayi is a prime rural destination for tourists seeking authentic African culture.
“This edition will be used to preach the gospel of development, as we’re open to developing our community through various business and empowerment initiatives, working together with interested businesspeople and institutions.
“We encourage those interested in investing in rural development to be part of this festival, as we’ll host a seminar that will focus on discussions around how best to tap into the business opportunities available in Nkayi,” said Chief Dakamela.
Imiklomelo ka Dakamela, established in 2023, honours outstanding individuals and institutions for their contributions to society while they are still alive. The awards recognise excellence in fields such as music, arts, sport, entertainment, business, promotion of tradition and culture, as well as community service. Notable recipients include legendary poet Albert Nyathi, Professor Solwayo Ngwenya, Iyasa director Innocent Dube, historian Arnold Nkala, Chief Mathema, Chief Thulani Jubane and philanthropist Virgie Ncube, among others.
Bongani Ndlovu