Agreement Mkhari 
The Greater Giyani Municipality (GGM) recently hosted a vibrant cultural festival to celebrate Heritage Month, showcasing the rich and diverse traditions of local communities in the Mopani Area.
The much talked event in Giyani brought together various cultural groups, offering performances, traditional dances, exhibitions of crafts and attire that reflect the deep cultural heritage of diverse in local communities.
The festival was not only a celebration of heritage but also aimed to promote cultural pride among young people of the province, Limpopo. It served as a platform to emphasise the importance of preserving cultural identity while fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity among local communities in the Mopani Area.
To encourage greater participation, the GGM offered monetary incentives for outstanding performances and displays on the day of the event.
This attracted numerous artists and local cultural groups, who showcased their talents, making the event a memorable occasion for all in attendance.
Participants competed in various categories, including poetry, drama, traditional pageants, crafting, and traditional dance. Prizes ranged from R1 000 to R10 000, depending on the category. Some categories had a top prize of R8 000, while those considered of higher value were offered up to R10 000.
Speaking after the event, Zanel Zitha, a well-known poet in Giyani who placed third in the poetry category despite her popularity, welcomed the results and expressed optimism, saying she would aim to do better next time.
“I don’t blame anyone for not securing first place. Adjudicators work within a set of standards and rules that every participant must meet to qualify. Perhaps I fell short in some areas, while the next person met those standards,” she said.
Another winner who showcased Giyani’s heritage and culture was Nhleko Makhubele, who came first in the pageant, a title that came with an R8 000 prize.
“This is a dream come true for me. I never thought I would take first place, especially with so many of us competing for the same position,” she said.
Local Economic Development head Cllr Cedrick Baloyi expressed the municipality’s hope that the festival winners will be able to continue their work and potentially make a living from it.
“We had a discussion that our adjudicators should not only assist during the festival but that a budget should be allocated to allow them to train our youth in culture and heritage.
“This way, those involved in traditional dancing and other cultural activities. can develop their skills to a level where they can potentially earn a living from it,” he said.
Baloyi stated that he believes that if their discussions proceed as planned, arts and culture adjudicators will be assisting the municipality in achieving its intended goals by next year.
Source: Letaba Herald
