Song and dance start Zuma’s new year
WHEN Jacob Zuma went home to Nkandla in 2005 to lick his wounds after President Thabo Mbeki “released” him of his duties as deputy president, he came up with an idea.
He decided that to bring the neighbouring villagers together each New Year’s Day there should be a KwaNxamalala traditional dance event.
For more than a decade now, Zuma has spent New Year’s Day watching traditional dance groups display their awe-inspiring routines at Nkandla. Groups came from Eshowe, Msinga, Pietermaritzburg and Ulundi.
KwaNxamalala village was abuzz as thousands of revellers came by taxi and bus, dressed traditionally.
The mood was jovial. Zuma didn’t make the villagers wait at the dusty sportsground 3km from his homestead.
They erupted into song as the presidential convoy arrived. Some ran behind the convoy belting out traditional songs.
When Zuma got out of the black BMW presidential protection vehi- cle, the crowd scrambled to shake his hand. They do not refer to him as a president but as uMkhulu (grandfather).
While he shook hands with some in the crowd, the dance groups practised their moves.
Zuma and his nephew, Khulubuse, who were seated next to each other, were impressed by the performances, which went on into the night.
The event was also attended by his wives, Bongi Ngema, Thobeka Madiba, and Sikakele Khumalo, who also appeared dazzled by the performances.
His son, Momelezi, told the Sunday Tribune that his father started the event when he was “at home”.
This was a way of bringing the villagers together on the first day of each year, he said.
Villager, Senzo Ntuli lauded the president, saying he always celebrated the New Year at this event.
“We don’t have beaches in this area, so this event has become very popular, and we don’t disappoint the president in our performances,” he said.
From time to time, Zuma stepped out of the marquee reserved for VIPs to pose for pictures with the groups and the crowd. The scorching sun and dusty field didn’t dampen spirits as the crowd jostled to get a good spot from which to see the performers. Some opted to stand on a nearby hill to get the best view of the action.
Zuma had a full schedule this festive season, attending a series of events for the Jacob G Zuma Foundation but Friday’s event was the last before he resumes his party and government work.
Zuma’s first big assignment this year is the ANC’s January 8 statement at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, which more than 10 000 people are expected to attend.