CELEBRATING THE AMAMPONDO CULTURE AND HERITAGE

“Heritage is the most precious thing we have” says Anonymous.

The AmaMpondo culture opened this heritage month with their very own festival where thousands of individuals and delegates joined together from various parts of South Africa in celebration of their culture. This event was held at Lwandlolubomvu Great Place in Ntabankulu throughout the past weekend, 10-11 September 2022.

“Mpondo Culture and Heritage festival that takes place annually since 2006 is one of the events that promotes, shares and preserves Mpondo culture and heritage. Commonly known as Umgubho wamaMpondo proceeded by the Mpondo Reed Dance it will be attended by diverse cultures from South Africa and beyond including Pedi, Tswana, Sotho, Ndebele, Xhosa, Bhaca, Tsonga Kingdoms and Chieftainships. This also serves to promote unity in a diversity of cultures” said the report.

According to the press statement by ‘Pondo Culture and Heritage Festival’, this was the first event ever held after their mourning period for the late King Zanozuko Sigcau.

Umphanda month as many may know it as in isiMpondo language, according to the ancient calendar this month is regarded as the amaMpondo’s first month of the year.

This wholesome event was executed by various cultures and speakers including the likes of Acting Queen Nobandla, Chairperson at the Eastern Cape Provincial House of Traditional Leaders Nkosi Mpumalanga Gwadiso, representatives of the Ntabankulu, Winnie Madikizela Mandela anf Alfred Nzo Municipalities, Ambassador of Turkey of South Africa Her Excellence Kandos and her delegation, Nkosi Xhanti Sigcau of AmaXhosa, Nkosi Serake Mampuru of amaPedi, Nkosi Libandla Mabhena, of amaNdebele Kingdom Magodongo Mahlangu of Amadzundza nation and Nkosi Mahumane of amaTsonga.

Perfomances and exhibitions from the different cultures were entertainment acts of the weekend’s festivities.

“Recipients of the Nkosi Ntsikayezwe Sigcau Memorial Awards were Ms Jane Mufumadi, CEO of Freedom Park; Mr Richard Mabaso, CEO of Imbumba Foundation; Member of Parliament Hon Zolani Mkiva. Philanthropist, Dr Avela Mayekiso received the Princess Stella Sigcau II Award. Handing over the Awards were Ndlunkulu Nombethe Sigcau and Mrs Veliswa Ntsikwe. Keeping the crowds intertained were Mpondo comedians Nomakhisimusi from Mbizana and Mntwanomgquba from Port St John’s who were the program directors of the day”

“Botswana and Turkey artists formed part of this year’s performances and exhibitions. Well known artist Casper from the republic of Botswana, local artists including Ndyebo Makholwa, Sivuyile, Jamakazi, Csana, Notha the comedian, Mpondo horse parade, choirs from Dumezweni and Ntsikayezwe SSS who also did drama, T Agoa, Mpondo traditional dancers kept the crowds intertained. Guests were also treated to Mpondo traditional food, site visits including to Magwa falls, Mbotyi to promote culture and environmental tourism aiming to boost cultural and rural economy. Preceding the cultural celebrations was the Princess Stella Sigcau II manufacturing skills training initiative that includes, shoes, sandals, cosmetics making, meat processing training in Lusikisiki, Mbizana, Ntabankulu and eMaxesibeni to promote skills development” concluded the report.

In attendance were members of the South African Royal Princesses Network including Princesses from various Kingdoms and Chieftainships in various Provinces of various tribes including, Tswana, Venda, Pedi, Zulu, Xhosa, Xesibe