Just ahead of the national Heritage Month, schoolchildren all over the Ehlanzeni District Municipality participated in the annual Ingoma Festival, showcasing their singing and traditional dances enriched by this beautiful province.

The festival, accelerated by the Department of Education’s subdirectory for inclusive education and curriculum enrichment, was held at Lowveld High School on Saturday August 27.

Children from all grades danced and sang cultural items while wearing their traditional attire according to the various cultures in Mpumalanga.

The event’s organiser, Nomvula Khoza, said the festival was a build-up to the national festival to take place on Heritage Day, September 24. She said the event, more than anything, is aimed at enriching learner curriculum outside the classrooms to help identify their talents.

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“The children are taught to take pride in their heritage through the development of exceptional morals and values as Africans. This year-long programme also encourages children to enjoy their youth responsibly and allows them a platform to commercialise their talents,” Khoza said.

Most of the children, especially the girls, have gained so much confidence and self-esteem with their bodies.
“We cannot shy away that our heritage or culture allows us to showcase our bodies, and that has allowed most girls to be positive in their bodies and language.”

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Khoza shared that the provincial stage of the festival will take place at the eMalahleni Civic Centre on Saturday September 17.