Dance & Culture

The Matsila Development Trust, in partnership with Phalaphala FM, has set aside R100 000 to present a traditional dance competition.

The different categories that will be judged are tshikona, malende, tshigombela, kiba, visa, makgakgasi, muchongolo, xibelani and xighubu. According Ms Rudzani Mulaudzi, marketing manager of Phalaphala FM, the competition started eight years ago and the radio station has been involved in developing and encouraging traditional dances and music among the different communities.

The project has since gone from strength to strength while uniting different ethnic groups in the province, she said. They expect thousands of spectators at the event. Tomorrow (Saturday) the elimination rounds for visa, kiba, makgakgasi, muchongolo, xibelani and xigubu will take place at the Bungeni Stadium. On 28 November, the elimination round for tshigombela, malende and tshifasi will be held at the Tshifulanani Stadium.

Both events will start at 08:00 and entrance is free at both venues.

Chief Livhuwani Matsila of the Matsila Development Trust said that the trust shared the same sentiment as Phapaphala Fm and wanted to be part of any traditional project in Africa. "Scientists consider Africa as the cradle of the human race and therefore, no matter if you are white or black or any other colour, you are human. Your roots go back to Africa," he said.