peterThembinkosi Khumalo, Sunday Life Reporter
SOMEHOW the 21st century has pioneered cultural erosion making it almost impossible to uphold our culture.
As a gentle reminder of who we are, the UMzingwane functions and tournaments organization is hosting an Africa Day event in style dubbed UMzingwane — Isiko Festival, under the theme “Silonda usiko njengo Mzingwane omuhle” (We are retracing our culture as Umzingwane) on 25 May at Esibomvu growth point, Umzingwane, Matabeleland South province.
The whole idea is to rekindle the love and pride of their culture. From conversing about where exactly have we loosened up in terms of preserving their culture, to what was really happening in the past in terms of cultural beliefs and what can we do to restore our original tradition?
Over the past few years, our culture has been loosened up and the trend is continuing to be shunned in a rapid manner. Most of the preservers of our tradition who can be called primitive nowadays, have gone to meet their maker. Those that remained behind are in pursuit of being in sync with what this world has said it is civilisation.
Through entertainment which will be in form of traditional music, maskandi music, gospel music, drama, and a series competition, traditional importance is going to be taught.
Talking to Sunday Life, a member of the organising team said, “We really need the presence of the Chiefs from the area because they are the leaders of our tradition and its foundations. Their presence will be greatly appreciated. The aim is to help us with tracing our lost traditions and how we can recover them back.”
The festival comes at the country is commemorating the Culture Month under the theme, “Celebrating cultural diversity, leaving no one and no place behind”.
Blessing Chizhande
Online Reporter