IN PHOTOS | Mpumalanga Traditional Xperience at Tjakastad a huge success

The Mandlamakhulu Traditional Council (MTC) was the place to be on December 7 during the Mpumalanga Traditional Xperience in Tjakastad.

The event was part of the province’s 2024 Cultural Xperience, hosted by the Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation (DCSR), and saw traditional music, dancers and food as part of the celebration.

ALSO READ: Mbombela publisher puts the spotlight on Siswati and Isindebele

Various artists, in conjunction with some dance groups, entertained the chiefs and the guests. In the line-up was the famous Ndebele singer, Dr Nothembi Mkhwebane, Raymond Nyathi, who ensured the people danced and laughed in Xitsonga, while Novavaza represented the Zulu tribe on stage. Make Shelangubo gave a sterling performance with her Isiswati songs.

Addressing the attendees, Chief Khuzilwandle Malaza of the MTC thanked the DCSR for considering his 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) that is rampant in the province and called on men to ‘man up and protect women and children at all times’.

ALSO READ: IN PHOTOS | Dr Mathews Phosa has book launch for memoir

“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 who ate snacks they bought from these shops. We need to put a stop to it and ensure that we do not lose more kids.”

Chief Malaza encouraged the young and the old 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 endanger other motorists when they drive under the influence of alcohol. Young people also need to refrain from being on the street, practising unsafe sex and abusing illegal substances. I am expecting leaders to emerge from this young generation under my land,” said Malaza.