Spirit of King Mhlontlo rides again
Ama-Mpondomise on Monday hosted a massive celebration in honour of their King Mhlontlo, who died in 1884.
The festivities in Manka village in Tsolo, Mhlontlo municipality, included horse races in eight different categories and the nation’s diverse cultural activities were on display.
The sleepy rural town was abuzz as over 100 horses, owners, riders, managers and followers gathered for the region’s first major traditional horse race. The event was held in conjunction with OR Tambo district municipality, Mhlontlo municipality and Calaza Promotions and Events.
OR Tambo Horse Racing chair Monwabisi Mdayi said they had received R80,000 from the district authority for the heritage celebration event.
“Every year we host events to celebrate our heroes and this year the focus is on King Mhlontlo, who was a hero in fighting against British land dispossession.”
The king was arrested after his horse kicked and killed a white magistrate, Hamilton Hope, around 1820. He was then stripped of his royal status and charged with murder. But his horse was not impounded.
“This is a special honour to our monarch who loved horses. He might be smiling wherever he is,” said Mdayi.
He said the race was an attempt by the two municipalities and OR Tambo Horse Racing to elevate traditional horse racing and attract thousands of fans from all over.
“It will boost the local economy and sport tourism in the Eastern Cape.”
Sinomusa Cultural Group, which has travelled the world performing Ama-Mpondomise music and dance, was among the entertainment lineup.
Horses from all over the district, as well as Chris Hani, Joe Gqabi and Alfred Nzo, were transported to Tsolo to participate in the different events.
Traditional horse racing, referred to as umdyarho, comprises a number of categories, including umphaliso (galloping) umhambo (trotting) and umkhwelo (speed and endurance racing).
OR Tambo council speaker Xolile Nkompela, who owns more than 20 horses and is a breeder from Mhlontlo, said horse racing in South Africa was a multimillion-rand hobby with many thousands of followers but traditional horse racing in the Eastern Cape was practiced only as a socio-cultural activity. The prize money of R80,000 was shared among the winners.