Locals enjoy a feast of culture and tradition
Traditional attire was the order of the day as young and old came to celebrate the ummemo by the Matsamo Traditional Council under the leadership of Chief Mduduzi Shongwe at the Matsamo Royal Kraal on November 12.
JEPPES REEF – Locals were encouraged to celebrate their culture and heritage during traditional celebrations at the Matsamo Royal Kraal on November 12.
The event, which started with the Shongwe historical background, was well attended by local chiefs, as well as leaders from as far as Swaziland.
This included the Ndebele Chief SV Mahlangu of Ndebele Kwandzundza and Inkhosi Tikhontele Nkosi, representatives from various government departments and local business people. The chairman of the house of traditional leaders, Kgosi Mathibela Mokoena was also present.
SiSwati musical sensation Bholoja, and various traditional groups entertained the crowd.
Dr Mafika Lubisi acknowledged traditional leaders for reviving culture, saying it must not practised only when there is an ummemo or on Heritage Day. It must be loved and lived. He also explained how siSwati traditional attire should be worn.
“A man’s position at home is the right hand and women on the left. If you enter a traditional home, men sit on the right, when you put on traditional regalia, note that as a man, you tie your knot on the right and women on the left. Girls put only one layer of cloth on top,” he stated.
“Ummemo is a celebration that revives tradition and is very important as it seems that our traditions are diminishing. Days like this one helps instil those traditions. People must wear their traditional regalia and love their culture,” said Chief Mduduzi Shongwe.
He called for respect from both young and the old especially towards royalty, saying that even old, people lack respect nowadays. Shongwe condemned land invasions and deemed it as disrespect towards royalty.
“We ask those invading land to stop – that is disrespect towards royalty. You might take the land and do as you please, but you will encounter problems when asked to produce documents. Some of you might get away with it because you are superior, but God will deal with you,” he stated.
He encouraged people to plant gardens and eat the food harvested from them.
