UMGUBHO WAMAMPONDO: AmaMpondo to celebrate their culture and heritage during the annual Mpondo Culture and Heritage Festival

The Festival was launched in 2006 in commemoration of Nkosi Ntsikayezwe Sigcau (1947-1996), an ANC liberation activist and stalwart, who was the Senior Traditional Leader of Lwandlolubomvu Traditional Council and the youngest of the two sons of the late King Botha Manzolwandle Sigcau who made a meaningful and significant contribution in the liberation struggle of South Africa as well as in the rural development in the Mpondo Kingdom.

It is an important event that was established for the preservation and promotion of the values, heritage, history, customs, and language of amaMpondo, promote ibuyambo and the way of life of the Mpondo people as well as unity in a diversity of cultures. It contributes to tourism, rural and cultural development and economy.

It has grown throughout the years since it was initiated, with esteemed dignitaries turning up to grace the occasion, as is expected for this year as well. In its inception, it was the first of its kind in the Eastern Cape and continues to promote cultural diversity.

The Festival will be preceded by the Mpondo Reed Dance which was launched in 2008. 2023 commemorates 15 years since inception. Maidens from the Mpondo Kingdom will be joined by the maidens from other Kingdoms including Ndebele and Pedi Kingdoms.

The main festival on 9 September will include performances from artists and traditional groups from Mpondoland, various parts of South Africa and beyond. The activities will also include exhibitions, Mpondo traditional cuisine, Mpondo horse parade (umkhwelo), traditional games, showcasing of Mpondo Traditional clothing, arts and craft, performances by amabandla and Mpondo dances.

Culture Ambassador and well-known musician from Botswana Casper the Golden Voice
will perform during this event. Other artists include Csana, Ntombethongo, Tofolux, Kgosi Kgolo Mampuru II traditional dance group from Jane Furse in Limpopo.

Expected to attend are representatives from various Kingdoms and Chieftainships including Pedi, Ndebele, Swati, Venda, Shangaan, Tswana, Xesibe, Sotho, Thembu, Xhosa, Bhaca etc, tourists as well dignitaries including members of the diplomatic corps, government and business. Dignitaries who will also deliver messages of support include CEO of Freedom Park, Ms Jane Mafumadi, Nkosi Mpumalanga Gwadiso who is the Chairperson of the Eastern Cape Provincial House of Traditional Leaders and Ambassador of Turkey HE Aysegus Kandas.

Princess Stella Sigcau II who is the eldest daughter of the late Nkosi Ntsikayezwe Sigcau and founder of the South African Princesses Network will lead a hike against GBV to create awareness including on child and human trafficking. The hike will take place at Magwa Falls on the 10 September.