Vumani bo!

Almost an entire street in Modimolle’s Mandela section reverberated with hysterical sounds of “vumani bo!” (do you believe!), on the occasion of a cultural festival on Friday 24 January.

The festivities were hosted by the Waterberg Traditional Health Practitioners Forum in the township of Phagameng.

The festivities added to a growing list of outdoor activities ushering in the New Year in Modimolle, among these the very popular bioscope sessions.

The event was held at Modimolle’s Mandela section.

Various cultural dance groups, among them Semakaleng Cultural Group, Majamboko and Sebula Mmako formed part of the entertainers who showcased their talents at the event.

The artists and other members of the community looked splendid in their traditional regalia, with handwoven household utensils such as grass mats on display.

Local Councilor Rufus Mahoro graced the event.

The Waterberg Traditional Health Practitioners Forum founder, Lesiba Alfred Mashabela, urged local residents to form groups and affiliate as part of the forum.

Mashabela said the objective is to create job opportunities for especially the youth, by teaching them to use their hands to create items such as beadwork, hats, chairs and other forms of
artefacts.

“The government always encourages us to take young people off the streets. This is part of our attempts to give the youth a chance to change their lives for the better,” he said.

Speaking on the side-lines of a day of high energy and fun, Mashabela said the event also served to launch the forum.

He told The BEAT that the forum was formed by traditional health practitioners who had the vision to change the lives of the people.

“We want to encourage young people to go back to their roots. Our aim is to discourage them against alcoholism, teenage pregnancy and violence by giving them something positive to do on a daily basis,” he said.

Mashabela said plans were also in the pipeline to set up a traditional medical institution which would function similar to a hospital.

— The BEAT