By Netshakhuma Muleya
EXCITEMENT is building ahead of the Tshitaudze Heritage Festival, scheduled for September 25 to 27 at Zezani Mpande Cultural Village.
The festival has unveiled its Saturday gala performance line-up, featuring Thoma Ngane hitmaker Bhadilah, Khomanyonga hitmaker King Hluza, Viola Muimbi, Krystal Wamrepa, Sdu Kays, Rhumba Sensational Tshanyaugwe Giants and Tenny Kelly.
The line-up will also feature author Brenda Muleya, MC Pashy, MC Happy and other surprise acts expected at the venue.
Running under the theme, “Celebrating Our Heritage and Honouring Our Roots,”the festival will feature various activities, including the Tshitaudze Heritage Soccer Tournament involving eight teams.
The participating teams include Tshitaudze FC, Siyoga FC, Foromela FC, Makhado FC, Mahopolo FC, Mazibeli FC, Mabidi FC and Kohomela FC.
Speaking to Ziyah News Network, Event Coordinator Dickens Mathe said preparations were progressing well, with 24 days remaining before the festival.
“Twenty-four days left to go and the excitement is building as the construction of the cultural village is done,” he said.
“Part of the structures built is a beautiful diamond logo-designed Sotho hut, Tshangani Hut, Tshitaudze kitchen hut (Tshitanga) and the main Tshitaudze House.”
He also said, community members continue to support the development of the festival through donations.
Entertainment Coordinator Beock Nethengwe said the organisers had prepared a diverse line-up to cater for different audiences.
“We have put together a variety mix of artists specialising in different genres and multilingual languages to accommodate the audience,” he said.
“Communities should expect a great gala as our own artists perform and celebrate our heritage.”
Meanwhile, Soccer Tournament Coordinator Rofhiwa Tshitaudze said preparations for the top-eight tournament were progressing well, with the draw already completed.
“Preparations for the top-eight soccer tournament are going well as the teams’ draw is already out. The tournament marks the beginning of our event as it will be held on the opening day of the event,” he said.
With 24 days remaining until the festival, communities are expected to gather at Zezani Mpande Cultural Homestead to celebrate their heritage and honour their roots.