By Mcasiseli Brandon Gwaza
Hundreds of members of the Ndebele community gathered in Johannesburg on Sunday to mark the end of the year with a cultural celebration aimed at promoting unity and preserving tradition.
The event, hosted by the Mthwakazi people at the Vodacom Ponte Building hall in Berea, drew community leaders, business figures, church leaders and families from across South Africa.
Traditional dance groups, including Amabutho and Amatshitshi, performed songs and dances that highlighted Ndebele customs, drawing enthusiastic participation from attendees.
Among the guests were Chief Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni, Prince Hlabezulu and King Bulelani, whose presence underscored the cultural and symbolic importance of the gathering.
Speaking at the event, Bishop Maseko called on the community to actively support the revival of Ndebele culture, rejecting claims that traditional practices conflict with Christianity.
“There are some Christians who think that wearing traditional attire or attending traditional events is sinful, and I rebuke that,” he said.
Community leader Presia Ngulube stressed the role of women in passing on cultural values, urging mothers to attend cultural events with their children.
“Women should attend these events and bring their children, especially young girls, so that they are taught different things in our culture and become valuable to society,” she said.
Chief Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni appealed for unity within the Ndebele nation, calling on Amabutho to remain loyal to the traditional leadership.
“We need to unite and defend our throne,” he said.
King Bulelani thanked the community for its efforts throughout the year and urged continued unity.
“I thank the nation for working hard throughout the year. Let us be strong and united against any forces that seek to divide our nation,” he said.
Organisers said the celebration was intended to strengthen cultural identity and foster solidarity among Ndebele people living in the diaspora, while reaffirming pride in their heritage and traditions.