Ntabankulu – The Mpondo Culture and Heritage Festival, also known as Umgubho wamaMpondo, will mark its 18th anniversary in 2024, alongside the 16th year of the Mpondo Reed Dance (Inkciyo yamaMpondo). These annual events, held at Lwandlolubomvu Great Place in Ntabankulu, have become pillars in promoting, preserving, and celebrating Mpondo culture, history, language, and customs. The festival, first launched in 2006 in honor of the late ANC liberation activist Nkosi Ntsikayezwe Sigcau, continues to grow in significance each year.

This year’s festivities are scheduled to take place from September 14-15, 2024, at the Royal Grounds in Matshona Village. The Mpondo Reed Dance, an essential cultural ritual, will precede the festival, focusing on the theme of raising awareness against gender-based violence (GBV). In line with this theme, an adventure cycling event organized by the Muzinduku Youth Development Cycling Club will take place on September 14, with participants riding from Phuthi to Lwandlolubomvu Great Place to spread awareness about GBV.

Celebrated author and GBV activist, Nontombi Luthuli, will host a workshop on September 13 at Ntsikayezwe Senior Secondary School, addressing students on the issue of GBV. She will also deliver a presentation to the reed maidens participating in the Mpondo Reed Dance on September 14.

The festival, known for its celebration of cultural diversity, will bring together various South African cultural groups, including the Pedi, Tswana, Sotho, Ndebele, Xhosa, Bhaca, and Tsonga people.

Artists from different regions, including renowned Mpondo guitarist Ntombethongo, will perform, along with musicians from Botswana and Mozambique. Government officials, traditional leaders, and representatives from various kingdoms are also expected to attend, further highlighting the importance of unity and cultural pride.

The Mpondo Culture and Heritage Festival has grown into a significant cultural event, offering a space for different communities to come together and share in the richness of their heritage.