The Mandlamakhulu Traditional Council (MTC) in Tjakastad hosted the Mpumalanga Traditional Xperience on November 07 as part of this year’s Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation’s (DCSR) cultural celebration.
This year, the province hosted the event which saw traditional music, dancers, and food, as part of the lively celebrations.
Various artists entertained, in conjunction with dance groups, the chiefs and attendees. In the line-up were famous Ndebele singer Dr. Nothembi Mkhwebane; in Xitsonga, Raymond Nyathi ensured people danced and laughed, while Novavaza represented the Zulu tribe on stage. Make Shelangubo gave a sterling performance with her Isiswati song.
Addressing the attendees, Chief Khuzilwandle Malaza from MTC thanked the DCSR for considering his Traditional Council to host such a big event. He also thanked the people of Mpumalanga, especially those residing in the Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality and surrounding areas, for attending the event. He condemned the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) which is rampant in the province and called on men to man up and protect women and children at all times.
“We as traditional leaders cannot stand aside and allow women and children to be abused by men who were supposed to protect them. We also call on women who are abusing men and children to stop. As a community we need to stand together to ensure that we don’t have GBVF in our area and work with the police,” he urged.
Malaza, also called on foreign Spaza shop owners to refrain from selling poisoned food and asked locals to take over their shops. “We have lost a lot of kids from eating snacks that they bought from the foreign shops at our houses and rented by foreigners. As a community we need to put a stop to it and ensure that we do not lose more kids,” he said.
Chief Malaza encouraged young and old people to embrace their culture and customs and make sure that the next generation knows their roots. He also condemned drinking and driving during the festive season. He said if people want to drink, they must stay at home, not get drunk and drive.
“I am calling on law enforcement agencies to deal with those who will be endangering other motorists when they drive under the influence of alcohol. Young people need to refrain from being on the street, practicing unsafe sex and abusing illegal substances. “I am expecting leaders from this young generation under my land,” concluded Malaza.
