On December 7, Bayede Traditional Group hosted the 2nd Bayede Cultural Festival at Mthashana TVET College.
Talented individuals and groups from across Vryheid area gathered to participate in different categories of competition, including poetry, modern dance and various genres of music.
Entrants had to create content focusing on current social issues, such as Xenophobia, violence against women and children and the killing of people with albinism.
I am so happy and grateful to attend the Bayede Cultural Festival and I urge you as the youth to love , embrace and enjoy your culture,”said Catherine Mokoena, a representative of the National Department of Art and Culture in Pretoria.
She also called on local Government to do its bits to support the youth and their talents where it could.
Nathi Mtshali, the founder of the group said the aim of the initiative was to help the youth unearth their talents and shy away from substance abuse, but he had added benefits of creating jobs for the youth through hiring of talented young people for the event as photographers, caterers, sound technicians and entrepreneurs.
Councillor, Dudu Mazibuko expressed her love of the youth and prayed God protect them.
‘Local governments must really work with the youth.
Talents and skills must not be wasted in alcohol and other substance abuse” she concluded.
In a day characterised by entertainment, enjoyment and gauging one’s talents, participants gave their best performances to win the prizes on offer and expand their horizons.
