A Celebration of Heritage: Kabokweni Hosts One of the Best Cultural and Indigenous Dance Programs
On September 20, 2025, the Kabokweni Community Hall in Mbombela came alive with rhythm, color, and cultural pride during one of the most vibrant and unifying events the province has ever seen. Organized by the Maqhawe Theatre Group, the Cultural and Indigenous Dance Program brought together communities, artists, and cultural practitioners from across all regions of Mpumalanga for a day of harmony, joy, and celebration of heritage.
The event was more than a showcase of traditional dances it was a heartfelt reminder of the beauty of unity in diversity. Every performance celebrated the spirit of Mpumalanga’s people and the traditions that continue to bind generations together.
A Day of Color, Culture, and Connection
From the very start, the atmosphere was electric. The hall resonated with drumbeats, singing, and ululations from the crowd, as groups took to the stage in vibrant costumes representing their cultures.
Fani Ndlovu, from Sounds of Africa, who performed the Makhwaya dance, expressed pure joy:
“I was over-excited to see so many different traditional dances. As a young South African, this motivates me because I have never experienced such a gathering before. I mostly knew my own cultural dance or saw others on television, but being here opened my eyes to the richness of our traditions.”
Adding to the dynamic energy were Andries Masombuka and Sibusiso Mthiyane from African Cultural Youth, who traveled from KwaMhlanga to perform the isiNdebele dance. They shared their excitement, saying:
“We were thrilled to learn and observe so many different kinds of dances. It created harmony and joy for us. It also built our self-confidence, sharing such experiences with both young and old under one activity.”
Leadership and Vision
The highlight of the event came when Mr. Serote Makweya from the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture (DSAC) addressed the audience. In his speech, he praised the initiative and emphasized the importance of government support for such programs:
“Events like these must be supported because they bring unity across cultures, generations, and genders. They also create job opportunities. What impressed me most is that all the regions of the province were represented, making this a true provincial event.”
Esteemed Guests and Participants
The event attracted a distinguished guest list from government, cultural institutions, and the private sector, including:
Mr. Serole Makweya – Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture (DSAC)
Mr. Sanjey – Department of Culture, Sports, and Recreation (DCSR)
Mr. Zweli Mdakane – Mpumalanga Choral Music Association
Mr. Alpheos Nhlabathi – TUMSA / CWUSA
Mr. Sylvester Malele – FNB
Mr. Innocent Nkosi – JIREH Technologies
True to its provincial spirit, cultural groups represented every district municipality, including Ehlanzeni, Gert Sibande, Nkangala, and Bohlabelo. Performers such as Imvunge Ye-Africa, Mhola Multi Creative Cultural Group, Sibalandeleni Group, and Sounds of Africa turned the stage into a tapestry of movement, rhythm, and song.
A Vision for the Future
The success of the event left participants and guests inspired by a vision of a united province where culture is preserved and celebrated. For many young people, it became a platform not only to showcase talent but to discover new cultural expressions and build confidence in their identities.
The Maqhawe Theatre Group was widely praised for organizing such a meaningful program. The group expressed heartfelt gratitude to all cultural groups who accepted their invitation, to the Mbuyane and Khumalo Tribal Authorities for their guidance, and to their sponsors and funders whose support made the event possible.
As the curtains closed, one message resonated clearly across Kabokweni: through culture, unity, and creativity, Mpumalanga’s heart continues to beat strong. As Mr. Makweya reminded everyone,
“We are all one — and through culture, we create both unity and jobs.”
