Women’s group preserves culture

Determined to preserve culture and traditions for her ethnic group gogo Emmah Nkosi of Barberton launched her cultural group Buhle beMaSwati formerly known as Lutsango lweMaSwati

The group with 28 members mostly married women above 20 years was started in rural areas of UMjindiMunicipality in 1999.

“Our aim was to teach preserve culture especially traditional songs and dances which are normally performed during traditions weddings and other cultural event,” she said.

Group members practice every Saturday but meet everyday when preparing for an event.

Apart from dancing the group regularly held informal lessons about womanhood and the significance of being a woman in the community.

“We urge women to dress accordingly and respect themselves. We also urge older women to be role models to the young ones by the way they dress, talk and conduct themselves,” said Nkosi.

Nkosi also advice married women to avoid walking up and down the streets gossiping but enjoy the comforts of their homes.

Members of the group are also urged to be industrious, work with their hands and be involved in community projects to be in a better position of providing for their families.

The group had performed in a number of government events and were awarded R10 000 for their outstanding performance in 2011’s artists auditions which they used to buy their traditional outfit.

Members of the group are also proud to have initiated to the formation of a males traditional dance group called Inyoka Beyihlohla which had performed as far as Germany.

“The group was re-launched in August 2012 after a couple of years of non activity, It helps to keep the youth away from the streets,” explained group organizer Thulani Mdaka.

Both groups participated in the recently held Talent House auditions for artists which were held at Ka-Nyamazane Community Hall.

They will also participate in the semi finals for the Artists Auditions to be held around September in the NkangalaDistrictMunicipality.