Traditional dance makes comeback

The KwaDukuza municipality say they are serious about restoring the dignity of traditions, beginning with raising awareness of the Mpondomise traditional dance, Imfene.
“This type of dance was once taken very lightly but now that is starting to change, the people and government are now working together to restore dignity to traditions. This is a cause for pride and celebration,” said mayor Ricardo Mthembu.
He was speaking during an energy packed traditional dance competition in Shayamoya on Sunday; telling the community that this type of dance has survived the danger of extinction.
Named after the ape, Imfene was once on the verge of extinction in KwaDukuza but as from last year, activities evolving around the dance have seen a steady rise.
The Imfene dance originates from the Amampondo people, which is an ethnic group in the Eastern Cape. This traditional dance is often associated with twerking.
“This is part of fulfilling government’s long standing commitments,” said KZN MEC for arts, culture, sports and recreation Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha.
Performers were given prize money to the value R15 000 by the Arts and Culture department.