Preparations for the Tshitaudze Heritage Festival, which is expected to attract at least 2 000 people to Beitbridge District, are at an advanced stage, Chief Tshitaudze has said.
The festival will be held from 25 to 27 September at Tshitaudze Cultural Village in Mpande, with community members, traditional leaders, schoolchildren, exhibitors and guests expected to attend.
“The Organising Committee for the Tshitaudze Heritage Festival wishes to inform stakeholders and the public that preparations for this year’s festival are at an advanced stage,” Chief Tshitaudze said in a statement.
He said an update meeting held on 17 September at the District Development Coordinator’s boardroom received reports from all sub-committees and was chaired by DDC Sikhangazile Mafu.
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Among the expected guests are Vice-President Kembo Mohadi, Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe, Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Omphile Marupi and President of the Chiefs Council Chief Mtshane Khumalo, who will be the guest of honour.
The Ndebele Royal Family from South Africa, a team from the University of Venda, a team from Makhado Municipality in Limpopo Province and representatives from universities and colleges are also expected to attend.
On venue preparations, Chief Tshitaudze said painting of cultural huts had been completed in Venda, Shangani and Sotho colours to represent the communities under his area.
“Decor and tents have been mobilised. The Ministry of Health and Child Care, the DDC’s Office and the Public Works Department are working together to finalise water, sanitation, power back-up and demarcation of exhibition and VIP areas,” he said.
More than 10 exhibitors have registered, while organisers have invited ministries, departments and agencies, SMEs and private companies to participate.
Exhibition fees are US$30 for ministries, departments and agencies, US$10 for SMEs and US$50 for private companies.
On arts, culture and sport, Chief Tshitaudze said 12 primary schools, nine secondary schools, three community groups and more than 20 artists from his jurisdiction had confirmed participation.
“Several community culture groups from across the seven Headmanships under Chief Tshitaudze’s area have also been invited to perform at the festival,” he said.
The International Organization for Migration has pledged to support awareness programmes and provide mobile clinics at Makhado on 25 September and at Tshitaudze Cultural Village on 26 and 27 September.
Security will be led by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, supported by 35 ex-servicemen drawn from the seven headmen.
The Environmental Management Agency and Ministry of Health and Child Care will lead waste management.
Chief Tshitaudze appealed for further support from the business community, government departments and agencies and well-wishers.
“The committee is appealing to the business community, MDAs and well-wishers to support transport, catering and infrastructure needs, and encourages the public to attend in large numbers,” he said.
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