Amakhosi want bodies returned home at once

HHOYI – The bakaNgomane of Hhoyi will host its annual cultural festival (ummemo) in honour of the former president, Mr Nelson Mandela.

Inkosi Sandile Ngomane, of the Ngomane clan who serves as the chairperson of the traditional council of the Hhoyi community, and deputy chairperson of the House Of Traditional Leaders in the province, will together with the Nkomazi people celebrate the second annual ummemo, scheduled for October 18 to 20 at Hhoyi, Odiweni Royal Kraal.
“Through the ummemo we are hoping to not only inspire our people to remember what it means to be African, but also to recover and preserve our heritage. This is also a celebration of who we are as Africans,” said Ngomane.
“Through this ummemo, elders in the community will teach the youth how to behave, including issues of sexual abstinence which reduces teenage pregnancy and the spread of HIV/ AIDS.
“Traditional dances, practices, food and attires will be displayed during the festivals. Entertainment is mainly dominated by cultural groups dressed in their traditional attire and a taste of African food. Sale, exhibition/ display of cultural crafts and attire will also characterize the festival.

I believe that through this initiative we will be able to capitalise on grass-roots marketing or corporate social investment,” he went on.
Premier David Mabuza has time and again emphasized the importance of traditional leaders in society and under his administration, traditional leaders has even received huge recognition and a smooth sailing working relationship with government, especially the department of Cogta.
These cultural festivals are held in most traditional councils in the province and are mainly seen as traditional leaders’ platform to address to their communities.
Ngomane said apart from the address to the community, another main purpose of the festival is the promotion of culture and the re-awaken the spirit of Ubuntu.
Ngomane invited government and private companies to partner with the royal house in making this planned festival a great success.
“We would like to invite traditional dancers and artists to come and showcase their talents. My ultimate dream is that we compensate these artist in order to encourage them to continue doing what they love and also develop their craft,” said Ngomane.