Phalaphala FM - Winners receive their prizes

Community members flocked in large numbers to the Makhuvha stadium to attend the finals of the Phalaphala FM/Radzambo Cultural Foundation's traditional-dance competition on Saturday.

Traditional-dance groups representing the Tsonga, Pedi and Vhavenda cultures participated in the event and performed dances such as, tshikona, malende, shigumbu, muchongolo,  xibelani,  maxaxasi, visa, chicaichai and kutauza.

Among the dignitaries who attended the event were the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture Thandi Moraka, Thulamela Mayor Avhashoni Tshivhango and many traditional leaders around Vhembe.

Phalaphala FM station manager Mr Freddy Sadiki said that the radio station was working in close collaboration with the Radzambo Cultural Foundation to provide an opportunity to different communities to practise their culture. The main purpose was to form partnerships with other departments and different communities, he said.

Chief Livhuwani Matsila of Radzambo Cultural Foundation said that a need  existed to teach young children about the value of culture and the importance of restoring it. "Culture and tradition are the foundation on which the prosperity of each nation starts. It is important to continue with initiatives of this nature for the sake of our children. A nation that does not respect its culture is doomed and does not have any direction."

Matsila further encouraged community members to be proud of their cultural practices. "By doing so, it will assist in the government’s drive to restore the community’s morals and culture." He emphasised the importance of special cultural days. “Other nations have their special days to celebrate their culture. We cannot be left behind, and we will continue to be in the forefront of cultural revival,” he said.

MEC Thandi Moraka described traditional leaders as the pillars of the communities. “It is important to give them the dignity they deserve. We can build a prosperous nation through faith and dedication, but it is also important to put our differences aside and work towards the same goal of nation building.”

Min Nathi Mthethwa commended Phalaphala FM and Radzambo Cultural Foundation's traditional-dance organisers for making a joint effort to preserve culture and to promote African traditional norms. He said culture was one of the main human tools that should not be left behind during the process of transformation.

“We must be proud of who we are instead of being copycats of other peoples’ cultures. We must learn to love and appreciate our history, tradition and morality because these form the basis from which a strong nation develops. Our indigenous languages should also be preserved for the benefit of the young generation and the community at large,” said Mthethwa.

The minister encouraged people to preserve their culture, describing it as the wealth of the coming generation. “Many people think that playing indigenous musical instruments lowers one’s dignity, which is not true. I am proud of my culture and that is why I don’t feel shy when I play my music,” he said.

Mthethwa said that traditional dance had the potential to become one of the biggest events in the country. He commended Phalaphala FM and Radzambo Cultural Foundation organisers for making a joint effort “to preserve culture and to promote African traditional norms.”

The winners in the tshikona dance went to Mukula, who received R20 000. All winners in the different categories received R10 000 each. Tipfuxeni is the winner of kutauza, Rebungwani won the muchongole, Bungeni won the shigubu division, Madodonga won the maxaxasi, and Thikhundwi ka sialaa received the kiba award. Visa won the mukondeni division, the malende award went to Tshilungwi Takuwani and the tshigombela award went to Ha-Luvhimbwi Khasialala.

Entertainment - Date: 22 November 2018

Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

Email: [email protected]