By Mcasiseli Brandon Gwaza
Communities in Matobo are preparing to celebrate their cultural heritage at the inaugural Chief Nyangazonke Annual Festival, Umcimbi WeKezi, scheduled for 23 to 25 October at the chief’s homestead in eZisongweni/eZinaleni.
The festival is expected to bring together traditional leaders, cultural groups, young people, entrepreneurs and visitors for three days of traditional dance, music and cultural exhibitions.
The event follows cultural festivals organised by other traditional leaders in the district, including Chief Bhidi Ndiweni of Osabeni and Chief Ngwenyama Fuyane of Esizindeni. Community members said they hoped other traditional leaders, including Chief Masuku and Chief Sithole, would also organise similar events.
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Ward 4 councillor Mxolisi Buffalo Ncube said the festival would give Matobo communities an opportunity to promote their cultural heritage and strengthen unity.
“As people of Matobo, we thank our Chief and the organizers for coming up with such a good event. We have been seeing these events from other chiefs like Bhidi Ndiweni and Ngwenyama Fuyane. We hope our people will attend in large numbers to participate and contribute,” Ncube said.
He said the area had not done enough to promote its cultural heritage.
“We as Matobo come from a dark era that left people living in fear and disengaged from our culture. We have not marketed Matobo, yet Matobo is rich. We need to promote these events. That is where conscientization comes from. We need to unite. We hope other chiefs like Masuku and Sithole will soon follow,” he added.
Local businesses are also expecting to benefit from the event.
Mxolisi Moyo, a businessman from Inja-Dam Village, said the festival could create opportunities for traders and small businesses by attracting visitors to the area.
“This festival will boost business in our community. When people gather in large numbers, local shops, vendors, transport operators and small businesses benefit. It puts Matobo on the map and opens opportunities for our people to showcase and sell their products. Amasiko can also feed families,” Moyo said.
For people living abroad, the festival is an opportunity to pass cultural traditions on to younger generations.
Sebenzani ‘Mehlokazulu’ Mnqolo, who is based in Europe, said cultural events helped communities maintain their identity and sense of belonging.
“Cultural events are important because they reflect who we are, where we come from, and what we stand for. They bring unity to our communities and revive the spirit of ubuntu — the belief that we are who we are because of one another,” he said.
Mnqolo said traditional dances had played an important role in his upbringing in Kezi, Maphisa and Ratanyana.
“Growing up in Kezi, Maphisa and Ratanyana, we were taught Isitshikitsha, Amabhiza and Ingquzu in schools. At the time, we did not realise how much they were shaping us. They instilled discipline, respect, unity and a sense of belonging. Preserving our culture is not just about remembering where we come from; it is about ensuring that our children know who they are and have a strong foundation for the future,” he said.
Young people have also welcomed the initiative.
Sma Ncube, a young person from eMatankeni Village, said the festival would help preserve cultural traditions for future generations.
“Events like the Chief Nyangazonke Annual Festival are vital for keeping our heritage alive. ‘Amasiko lilifa lethu’ — Culture is our inheritance. This is not just a celebration, but a powerful reminder of unity, identity and pride for generations to come. Umcimbi shows the strength of our culture; we celebrate, we teach and we preserve who we are,” Ncube said.
Community member Meluleki Gwezha, from Homestead, said the festival would help raise Matobo’s profile and restore interest in cultural practices.
“We are grateful for what our chief has done for us. It makes us very happy and it will make our area visible and known by many people,” Gwezha said.
He said the community had a responsibility to preserve its heritage and ensure cultural practices were passed on accurately.
“We know our own culture and heritage, and it is us who must preserve it well. We used to have such events in our area, but they were distorted and started to disappear. This festival gives us a chance to reclaim them correctly,” he said.
Gwezha added that the gathering could also provide an opportunity for traditional leaders and residents to discuss local development challenges, including rural roads and livestock protection.
“When we gather like this, it is also an opportunity for our traditional leadership to speak on behalf of the community on issues that affect us, such as the state of our rural roads and the protection of our livestock, which is central to our culture and livelihood,” he said.
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