Ndebele group aims to preserve their culture
An IsiNdebele group can go a long way to preserve their Ndebele culture and customs.
What started as a group of four women dancing and singing led to the formation of the group formerly known as Bhekezela Number 2 and now is known as Tjhida Ngitjhudule. The four women who started the group were Joana Mthimunye, Hleziphi Sikhosana, Maria Mashiane, Vuma Masilela and a young girl Mpumi Masilela who was about four years at that time. The group was started in February last year (2013) but the four previously belong to another group before moving to Klarinet.
“Our aim was to preserve our culture and after seeing young girls always spending their time at a nearby tavern and we were concern. We decided to form a dancing and singing group. We taught them about IsiNdebele, customs and the culture. Not only that, but about respect, cooking, cleanness, life skills and a lot of other things,” said Ms Sikhosana.
The group is mostly invited to weddings, parties, cultural gatherings and other events. They said they carry a message of hope and they are proud of IsiNdebele and people always appreciate what they do. They said a lot of young girls wants to join them and because of financial constrains they cannot accommodate them into their programs, but they would love to pass their messages from one generation to the other as it was done in the past.
The 11- member group (ten and one boy) has now been divided into two, one for the senior teenagers and the juniors. They do their rehearsals every Saturday from 14:00 to 17:00.
“We do not want to see our children being involved in drugs, alcohol abuse, and being pregnant at a young age. We teach them the right way and we receive a lot of positive feedbacks from our community and we need their support. We hope that somebody we will one-day sponsor us to take the group to another level,” added Ms Sikhosana.
*According to South African Tourism website Ndebele culture is one of the most distinctive in the country. Set apart by the lavish beaded designs of their women’s attire, the stacked rings worn round their necks, arms and legs, and the trademark geometric mural art of their homesteads – they are instantly recognisable. For the most part, Ndebele culture is renowned for its distinct beadwork and colourful, geometric mural art. A Ndebele cultural village, made up of residential units (umuzi), is quite often defined by its striking artwork, which is done by the women. In this way she designates her territory while using art as a form of inspiration for everyday life.
Women also express their status in the way they adorn and ornament themselves. Ornate beadwork, blankets and other trinkets are used, becoming more elaborate after marriage, detailing her faithful devotion to her husband. Favoured jewels are the brass rings that are placed on her neck, arms and legs, which can often weigh up to 20 kilograms.
The beautiful dress and accessories of the Ndebele women reflect their age, social status and love of colour. It is an aesthetic cultural affirmation that is in everything from the aprons of little girls to the colourful gala blankets and spectacular costumes of married women.
