SPONSORED | DCM partners with DAM to promote culture in Ngwaabe
The Democratic Artists Movement partnered with Dwarsrivier Chrome Mine for an explosion of culture, cuisine, music and poetry in honour Heritage Month.
Traditional cuisine, cultural regalia, dances, songs and poetry were the order of the day as the Democratic Artists Movement (DAM), in partnership with Dwarsrivier Chrome Mine (DCM), celebrated Heritage Month.
Themed the Remmogo Fetakgomo Tubatse Annual Commemoration, this event was held at the Bahlakwana Tribal Hall in Ga-Malekane, Ngwaabe, Steelpoort, on September 27.
Some local dancing groups honoured the event, performing dances like the kiba, makgakgasa, dinaka and dipapetlwane, and took part in many more cultural entertainment activities.
The guests included local bishops and pastors, as well as the management of the Sekhukhune SAPS.
The attendees showcased and displayed traditional regalia such as makgeswa ntepa and lebole (traditional clothing). They also presented a variety of traditional dishes. The best achievers were handed gifts and prizes, courtesy of DCM.
The event organiser was the Bapedi cultural chauvinist, author, singer, motivational speaker and chairperson of DAM, Julia Aphane. She urged the guests not to be westernised. “People tend to believe that to be modern you have to disengage from your heritage, but it’s not true. With this event we wanted to educate and remind locals that their culture is vital. We have to go back to the basics and wear our traditional attires with pride. We have to have our own shops at local malls that sell traditional products, including clothing and cultural equipment. Let’s read and write books in our home languages. We need to respect and honour our culture.”
Representing the DCM was the local economic development officer, Mamagase Nchabeleng, who said the mine cares and always invests in local communities. “We are grateful for being invited to this event. When DAM came knocking on our doors, asking for sponsors, we did not hesitate and we lent a helping hand. We want locals to preserve their culture and showcase their talents through art and craft. The equipment and crafts displayed at the event can open doors for most of local people. Some can open businesses and sell their products.”
As locals we have to teach our children about their tradition. Youngsters will get to know how we lived in the old days. We need to embrace heritage, as it is part of our identity.
Kgoshi Napjane Malekane of Bahlakwana ba Malekane thanked all the attendees and said they celebrated Heritage Month in a manner that reminded them where they came from, the traditional food they ate, their cultural dances and songs. “As locals we have to teach our children about their tradition. Youngsters will get to know how we lived in the old days. We need to embrace heritage, as it is part of our identity.”
The event was concluded with the prize-giving for the best poets, crafters, designers, singers, dancers and other activities. DCM also used this opportunity to hand over four banners and flags to the management of DAM. Aphane performed her hit song “Tshepo” to close off the ceremony.
