Attendees at the Imiklomelo kaDakamela 2026 cultural celebrations have spoken of the importance of ancestral worship and traditional religion, saying the event plays a key role in strengthening spiritual ties and cultural identity.
The celebrations, held in Nkayi on Sunday, drew men and women dressed in traditional attire who took part in dances, songs and rituals intended to honour their ancestors.
One attendee, Sibonginkosi Ndlovu, said the event went beyond entertainment and served as a means of reconnecting with spiritual roots.
“These dances and the way we dress are not just for show. They represent who we are and where we come from. When we gather like this, we are remembering our ancestors and paying our respects,” she said.
Another participant, Bekithemba Ncube, said such gatherings help deepen people’s understanding of traditional religion.
“Our culture is closely linked to our beliefs. When we perform these rituals, we are communicating with our ancestors and asking for guidance and protection,” he said.
Lindiwe Sibanda said the celebrations filled her with pride at belonging to a community that continues to value its traditions and spiritual practices.
“It is important that we continue doing this. Our ancestors are part of our lives, and we must always honour them. Events like these remind us of that responsibility and of where we come from,” she said.
She added that the unity displayed during the celebrations reflected the strong bond between culture and faith.
“When people come together like this, it shows respect not only for our traditions but also for our ancestors. It is a way of keeping our beliefs alive and passing them on to the next generation,” she said.
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