Different racial groups have come out in their numbers at Matsila guesthouse to celebrate Matsila day in style on Saturday.

Arriving at Matsila, singing traditional songs, dressed in their Tshivenda,Pedi and Xibelani of Vatsonga traditional regalia.

Traditional dance groups of Tshikona, Malende and Tshigombela,Xibelani and Tshikhaba  fought for supremacy before a huge crowd, which included traditional leaders and the immediate community members.

During the event, Chief Livhuwani Matsila said the traditional leaders were serious about restoring culture and indigenous knowledge. He commended the community for coming up with the initiative of reviving culture through traditional dances. Matsila added that there was a need 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 for 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."

He further encouraged community members to be proud of their cultural practices. "By doing so, it will assist in the traditional leaders’ drive to restore the community’s morals and culture." He encouraged people to celebrate and embrace the country’s historical inheritance, languages, spirituality and sacred sites, diverse cultures, indigenous food and traditional art forms.

Matsila emphasised the need to open the doors of learning and culture to all. "We need to build on the culture of teaching and learning to produce thought leaders and technical skills that our economy needs for growth, development and reconstruction," he said.