LOUIS TRICHARDT - Some 10 000 people gathered at Louis Trichardt show grounds to witness the final of Phalaphala FM, Shoprite and Department of Arts and Culture traditional dance competition on Saturday.

During the function the representative of Department of Arts and Culture in the Vhembe district, Mr AE Ratshisusu said that the department is working in close collaboration with Phalaphala FM and Shoprite. Ratshisusu said further that the Department of Arts and Culture has been established to provide an opportunity to different community to exercise their culture. The main purpose is to form partnerships with other departments and different communities, he said.

The Department of Arts and Culture, in partnership with Phalaphala FM and Shoprite, also presents an opportunity for people of different standings in society to come together.

The Shoprite manager, Mr Jappe Van Staden said that Shoprite shares the same sentiment and wants 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. 'The traditional makes us what we are. If we lose our tradition and also lose our identity we have to consequently remind ourselves where we are coming from. Because that is the basic that determine where we are going. If this doesn't happen we can consider our served lost."

In the Malende category position number one went to Thikundwi of Tshakhuma and they received R1 500. The second position went to Makwarani and they went home with R1 000. The third prize of R750 went to Luaname. From position four to ten the teams received R500 consolation prizes.

In the Kiba category the first prize of R1 000 went to Madadji. Position two went to Masakona and they received R750. In the Maxaxasi category the first positon went to Gumani and they received R1 000. The second place went to Mukondeni and they received R750. In the Visa category Madodonga are the champions and went home with R1000. The price of R750 went to Nthabalala.

In the Tshigombela dance championship the first place went to Vhuri Vhuri Matovha and they got R1500. The second position went to Milaboni and they received R1 000. In the Tshikona catergory the championship went to Ha-khakhu Thondoni and they won R3 000. The second position went to Ha-Khakhu Makudeni and they received R2 000.

The Phalaphala FM traditional programme announcer, Mr Joel "Dwatwa" Tangulani said that he was very happy with the support that they get from Phalaphala FM listeners.