By Netshakhuma Muleya
THE Tshitaudze Heritage Festival came to a close on Sunday at Mpande, Beitbridge, following two days of cultural activities that brought together communities from different backgrounds.
The festival featured a soccer tournament, traditional music and dance, contemporary dance, poetry, storytelling and musical performances.
The event was attended by guest of honour, Vice President of Zimbabwe, retired Colonel Kembo Mohadi, alongside the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe.
Other notable guests included Chief Masuku of Gwanda, Head of Chiefs in Zimbabwe Mitali Khumalo, Princess Agness from Mpumalanga and Prince Ayanda of the Ndebele community.
On the final day, delegates dressed in various forms of cultural regalia, including Vhavenda minwenda, as well as Sotho, Tswana, Xangani and Ndebele attire.
Gospel singer Master VZ opened the programme with one of his popular songs, Siyabonga.
Traditional performances included the Majukwa Traditional Dance from Mpande, Mtetengwe Primary School and the Vatsonga Traditional Dance group.
Dressed in Xibelane, Xangani women showcased their cultural heritage through an energetic dance performance.
Ndambe Primary School learner Omphulusa Ndou also entertained the crowd with a performance centred on cultural identity and patriotism.
Addressing delegates, Vice President Mohadi said the festival promoted unity through cultural diversity, noting that Beitbridge is home to communities that speak several languages, including Shona, Tshivenda, Sotho, Xangani, Ndebele and Pfumbi.
He said the festival could also contribute to tourism, including the promotion of attractions such as the Mapungubwe monuments, while helping preserve local history.
“The Tshitaudze Heritage Festival fosters spiritual grounding and intergenerational unity,”he said.
He also said, the festival was more than entertainment, describing it as a reflection of cultural diversity and an opportunity to promote development.
“Our cultural differences in Beitbridge should not divide us but rather captivate and develop our living standards through collaboration,” he said.
He also urged young people to embrace their cultures and languages, saying they were custodians of the future.
Chief Tshitaudze said the festival was established in response to growing Western cultural influence and was intended to help restore cultural identity.
He said the festival also provided a platform for promoting talent in Vhavenda dance, music, poetry and storytelling.
He also urged communities to protect the rights of young people and desist from child marriage and abuse.
He also thanked the delegates saying artists, poets, storytellers, dancers, schools and stakeholders who contributed to the festival.
On the sporting side, Makhado FC were crowned champions after defeating Foromela FC 2-0.
Stephen Ndou was named the tournament’s best player at the awarding ceremony.
Other winners included Vhutulula Primary School for the best storytelling performance, Mtetengwe Primary School for best traditional dance, Beitbridge Government Primary School for best costume and Mugaladivha Primary School for best dance choreography.
The Beitbridge Revolution Choir was recognised as the festival’s best music group and received a shield trophy.
However, some artists raised concerns about their treatment during the festival.
One artist, who requested anonymity, said performers faced difficult accommodation conditions.
“It is sad that artists came and entertained the crowds but received unpleasant treatment, including sleeping on classroom floors without blankets,” he said.
The artist also said there was no designated space or adequate seating for performers, leaving some to sit in the open sun.
Another concern was the absence of traditional dishes from the food catalogue, which some delegates felt was a missing element at a festival centred on cultural heritage.
Despite the concerns, the festival brought together diverse communities over the weekend, with attendees departing with memories of music, sport, dance and cultural exchange.