Two Malende (Venda traditional dance) dancers who were among the 16 people representing South Africa in Indonesia, are back in the country. Shonisani Ndou (38) and Khathutshelo Matshusa (28), both members of Bono Arts Project, attended the Annual Asia Africa Arts Festival from 14 to 24 April.

The two traditional dancers joined 14 other traditional dancers from other provinces and they performed with groups from Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Iraq and Sudan. They played a total of 6 shows in schools and galleries during their visit to Indonesia.

The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture footed the bills for all 16 participants from South Africa.

Ndou, from Maniini, near Thohoyandou, said she was highly honoured to have been chosen to represent South Africa abroad.

“Based on my poor financial background, I never imagined myself boarding a plane to represent my country outside South Africa. It was indeed a great achievement for me because it is never an easy thing to represent millions of South Africans abroad…”

Although it was the first time that she boarded a plane, Ndou said she enjoyed the trip although she was nervous at first.

“I became used to the flight and got settled later. I am very happy because everyone was impressed by our dancing skills and they promised to invite us in future.”

Khathutshelo Matshusa, from Tshipako, said she has learnt different aspects in the diverse cultures of the world.

“Interacting with different cultures opened our eyes. The trip will always be a memorable one because we have made our presence felt in other nations of the world.”

Although she went there to participate in the arts festival, Matshusa says she was impressed by the life in Indonesia. She says there are rarely road accidents although there are no robots and stop signs.

“If one wants to cross the road, you only raise your hand and the massive traffic will give way. Drivers there fully observe the rules of the road and we never witnessed a road accident. We did not even see any traffic officer until we came back.”

A Principal Cultural Officer at the Vhembe Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, Azwinndini Ratshisusu saluted the two women for their patriotism and zeal to represent the country abroad.

“We are proud of them because they have put our country on the world map.”