Matsulu youth cultural group showcases dance talent
The group, led by a young local, hopes to showcase a diversity of cultures that represent South Africa.
In a community that mostly embraces the Siswati culture, the Siyathuthuka Cultural Group seeks to bring about diversity with Setswana dances in Matsulu.
Led by Knowledge Zitha (18), who is a performing art enthusiast and teacher, he hopes to uplift teenagers through the group. “I started the group in August by gathering teens between the ages of 13 and 18 in my community who were interested in traditional dancing as a hobby, and to entertain ourselves while we master the art of cultural dance. We are currently seven dancers, three girls and four boys,” Knowledge said.
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He said the aim of establishing a dance group is to uplift youngsters through support, such as dignitary packages and food parcels funded by possible sponsorships. “If one of our group members has basic needs at home, we do our best to help them. Another aim is to promote South African culture. I hope we get to perform and teach others about cultural dances as well.”
He said as the group grows, he hopes to introduce other cultural dances such as those of Siswati and the Khoisan. “As a small group, we are facing challenges of transport to attend performances and obtaining sponsors for attires and drums. However, at the moment we manage to fund those things from our own pockets and our parents.”
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Knowledge said he hopes his group will become one of the best to represent Mpumalanga and the diversity of cultures the country has to offer.
