Traditional leaders from across South Africa joined amaMpondo for the 19th Mpondo Culture and Heritage Festival and the 17th Mpondo Reed Dance (inkciyo yamaMpondo), using the gathering to condemn gender-based violence (GBV) and to champion economic development in rural areas.
His Majesty King Silosohlanga said development in rural communities is essential to improve quality of life and to fight crime and GBV. Festival chair Nkosi Jongilanga Sigcau noted that the festival strengthens both the tourism and culture economy, boosts the hospitality sector, and promotes Mpondoland as a destination. He emphasised partnerships among traditional leaders beyond tourism, including agriculture and other sectors.
The Mpondo Kingdom also marked 21 years of cultural alliance with the Ndebele, Tsonga and Pedi kingdoms. Prince Serake Mampuru (Pedi) said these ties are vital in countering tribalism and dismantling stereotypes rooted in apartheid. Prince Nyiko Mahumane (amaTsonga) urged a focus on self-sustaining economic partnerships. Nkosi Magodongo Mahlangu reflected on lessons learned from amaMpondo culture and praised the festival’s vibrant, colourful programme. Representing the Swati Kingdom, Prince Nkosingiphile Dlamini highlighted historic family bonds—two amaMpondo queens, the late Queen Mamswati of Nyandeni and Queen Madobhuza of Qaukeni, are descendants of the late King Sobhuza of Eswatini. Nkosi Tholelengwe Ndamase, on behalf of King Ndlovuyezwe Ndamase, reiterated the importance of unity in the Mpondo Kingdom.
Royal houses represented included Sotho, Xhosa, Bhaca, Tswana, Thembu and Xesibe, among others. Guests and artists travelled from across South Africa and as far as the Republic of Botswana, where Casper “the Golden Voice” delivered a standout performance. Government structures present included the Department of Arts and Culture (Alfred Nzo), the municipalities of Ntabankulu, Alfred Nzo and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, as well as representatives of the Liquor Board, which supports the festival and the Reed Dance.
Hosted annually by the Lwandlolubomvu Traditional Council—the festival since 2006 and the Reed Dance since 2008—the events promote unity, cultural and heritage preservation, ubuMpondo, ibuyambo and isiMpondo, sharing and safeguarding Mpondo culture, history, language, customs and heritage. The Mpondo Festival was launched in 2006 in commemoration of the late ANC liberation activist Nkosi Ntsikayezwe Sigcau and will celebrate its 20th year in 2026.
This year’s programme, commonly known as Umgubho wamaMpondo, ran 13–14 September 2025 at the Lwandlolubomvu Great Place and Royal Grounds in Matshona Village, Ntabankulu, following the 19th Mpondo Reed Dance, attended by inkciyo from across the Eastern Cape, including Ntabankulu, Flagstaff, Mbizana, Lusikisiki and Engcobo. The Reed Dance theme focused on GBV awareness.
Local artists included Ntombethongo (Lusikisiki), Sivuyile RSA (Flagstaff), Tofolux (Ntabankulu), Makholwa (Lusikisiki), Selula (Ntabankulu), Gqubemswanini (Ntabankulu), Mvee (Ntabankulu) and others from across the Mpondo Kingdom, alongside groups from other kingdoms, including the King Mampuru traditional group from Limpopo. Guests experienced Mpondo culture through food, dress, horse parades (umkhwelo) and traditional dances. Organisers estimate over 20 000 people attended.
The festival also reaffirmed the ongoing campaign for isiMpondo to be recognised as South Africa’s 13th official language.
