Mbembesi holds Xhosa cultural festival

ZIMBABWEANS and South Africans are one people who must come together and stand against xenophobic tendencies, an official has said.

is was said by South African Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mphakama Mbete during the annual AmaXhosa cultural festival that was held in Mbembesi, Matabeleland North yesterday. The celebrations were also meant to honour the late Xhosa King Zwelonke Sigcawu who died last month and was buried last week in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The event which is held annually took place at Fingo Hall in Ngxingweni Village to celebrate the Xhosa people in Zimbabwe.

“This event is to build a Xhosa nation as well as an African nation. Therefore, we are gathered here to build a relation between Zimbabwe and South Africa while recognising the Xhosa nation.

Henceforth, the Xhosa people here in Zimbabwe are South Africans and so Xhosa people in South Africa are Zimbabweans, so let us come together and unite while developing our nations.

“It is important to note that culture, education and skills training are an important aspect to attain, hence it is up to us to recognise all that and for that to be fully functional we should stop gender-based violence, early childhood marriages and xenophobia attacks on each other. It is up to us as Africans to enforce development and for us men to protect and invest in women and girls who have the greatest talent. Therefore, let us give women their rights and contribute to development to build a better nation.”

Amb Mbete said indigenous knowledge and ubuntu should be taught to youths in order for them to keep their culture.

The event was graced by various Government officials, church and community leaders.