This past Saturday, I braved a cold Cape Town morning as I made my way to the Cape Town station to meet with a colleague and board a train to Pinelands. Our destination was Mupine building where the Xhosa Language School was hosting a wrap up Heritage Day event called Madiba’s Culture. The Xhosa Language School is the brainchild of Ntombiza Lingani, a graduate of Tsiba Education which offers young people who can’t access tertiary education an opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship. Madiba’s Culture was born out of her wanting to build bridges with others through language and culture. She offers, through the school, isiXhosa language and cultural lessons, copy-editing, transcription services and translations.

Arriving at Pinelands station, we realised we had to walk a couple of kilometres to get to our final destination. Talk about the joys of using public transport. Fortunately we were on time for the event. We had ample time to look at the programme which outlined the day’s proceedings. The programme made mention of a fashion show comprised of models of most colours of the proverbial rainbow nation. All the models were to be dressed in traditional isiXhosa wear showing various clothes worn at various stages of life. The designers of these beautiful clothes were two ladies Thembela Nocanda from Site C, Khayelitsha and Nomava Mbangamti from Mfuleni.

The programme director was a charming and charismatic Dr Fay Nqoloba who kept the audience entertained throughout the day with her humorous shenanigans. Also in attendance was Chief Zwelidanile Galada, Mr Tex Dludla and Rhandzeka Mawku who were judging the fashion show. The winner of the fashion show was Thembela Nocanda.

Various groups performed traditional dances although some of them gave lukewarm and half-hearted performances. Street Core – a performance trio from KwaLanga gave a captivating performance towards the end of the event . I could barely hear what they were saying because of sound glitches.

The overall organisation of the event could have been better. But even with a few glitches,  it was still a commendable effort. It could have done with a venue that is central and accessible to almost everyone as I find the idea that the event is premised on – asking everyone to be proud of their heritage – encouraging. Shouts to Ntombiza and her awesome team for an informative and entertaining event.

Images by : Clayton Ohlson.

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