Concern over loss of culture among youth
XHOSA royalty are concerned about their culture and customs surviving the next generation because of the influence of Western cultures on young people.
Dr Nokuzola Mndende of the Icamagu Institute said: “There has been a growth in promoting culture in fashion trends, whereby designers would use indigenous material to promote a particular culture, which is African.
“As parents we have a role to play to teach the youth about their heritage and preserve our culture.”
Former chairperson of the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders Ngangomhlaba Matanzima, of the Thembu clan, said that it is difficult to say that the youth is not interested in heritage, as the country’s freedom was only gained in 1994.
“Colonialism changed the way we do our customs. There is a need for education to promote mother tongue language and representation of all cultures equally.”
AmaRharhabe Queen Noloyiso Sandile’s spokesperson, Beurnz Ngamatshe, said: “We need to take a stand to educate the younger generation about our past.
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”
Thembu King Prince Azenathi Dalindyebo said: “There is no one in the world who does not want to know their origins and who they are. As kings in different communities, we must take it upon ourselves to educate the youth in a very entertaining manner about where we come from. By doing so we will be preserving and promoting our heritage.”
Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela said traditional leaders have a big challenge to preserve the culture and customs because of American hip pop culture.
“As leaders we need to do more indigenous entertainment that represents us as South Africans. As chiefs we need to focus on the young generation to make them know about their heritage and where do we come from as a nation. By doing so we help the younger generation to be better leaders of tomorrow.”
King Zwelonke Sigcawu said Western education has done good and bad.
“I think as a nation we should educate our kids about culture in a very entertaining manner that will attract them to understand and respect our heritage.”