RHYTHMIC drumbeats, the sounds of feet pounding the stage in unison, hands striking gumboots and the harmony of voices raised in unison rang through the air at the 20th annual Hillcrest High School (HHS) isiZulu Evening on Friday, August 21.

Performing to a full school hall of parents and learners, the Grade 11 isiZulu first additional language learners showcased isiZulu poetry, song and dance, acknowledging the heritage and culture of the Zulu people.

VIP guest and keynote speaker, Sibongile Nkosi-Tembe, who serves as the acting district director for the Pinetown District within the KZN Department of Education, congratulated the head of IsiZulu, Thobeka Gabisa, the principal Denise Knight and deputy principal Sibongiseni Ndebele, as well as former and current isiZulu educators on achieving this 20-year milestone of celebration of the isiZulu culture, especially as the school celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

Tembe also said events such as the HHS isiZulu Evening were important as so much of isiZulu culture is passed down through stories, poetry, song and in dance movements, and keeping these traditions alive, while embracing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of our province, was essential.

The event serves as an opportunity for learners who are studying isiZulu first additional language to showcase not only their performance skills, but their language and public speaking skills as well.

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The evening is choreographed and managed by the Grade 11 learners, with support from the isiZulu department educators and the school’s Audio-Visual Club, led by Jonathan Langston.

Gabisa thanked the staff and parents who supported the learners, enabling them to attend practices, Mr and Mrs Mqadi for sponsoring the gifts for VIP guests, and along with Mr and Mrs Njokwe, contributing towards the sponsorship of the colourful costumes for the girls’ performances.

She also thanked Knight for embracing diversity and supporting the department in continuing to showcase the learners’ talent.

Learners performed several traditional girls’ and boys’ songs as well as traditional dances, a gumboot dance and various poetry renditions.

The AsiziZamele Primary School dancers amazed the audience with their high-energy and precision choreographed performance, which had the crowd cheering and gasping as they formed towers and tumbled across the stage at pace. The evening was a great success.

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