My Pride, Your Pride

By: Gladys Mulaudzi, Amanda Mnikathi and Zongezile Matshoba

Day 5 of the SS 2011 started with a tricky topic, climate change, by Vincent Diba. Well, that was in the evening as the last two days were dominated by the four media electives that were happening in various venues of the MPLC. The somber mood of being told of the sometimes man-made causes that affect weather changes, thereby affecting environment and heritage, seemed to be taming the spirits of some who were readying themselves for the cultural evening. To be told to turn off the taps properly all the time, save electricity, stop chopping trees was to these learners rather worrying and reminded them of the usual adult teaching, at school and at home.

Things quickly changed to high tempo as Sobantu Stofile started singing Joe ‘Sdumo’ Mafela’s “Shebeleza” that saw South Africans dancing and chanting in 1996 when they won the Confederation of African Football Cup of Nations in their first attempt. The hall was soon engulfed with cheers, participants circulating the centre stage in traditional attires of various indigenous South Africans.

From the Vendas in Limpopo, down to the amaZulu in KwaZulu Natal to the amaXhosa in the Eastern Cape participants young as they are, used songs, poetry, dance and acting skills to explain their cultural costumes and its importance. This was meant to familiarize other participants from other provinces about their culture and values.

The unity in the groups was exceptional, indeed the motto of the country’s coat of arms “IKE E: /XARRA //KE” was manifested for everyone to see. The overall performances were impressive.

At the end, the Western Cape took the honours after a great performance that managed to drag judges’ attention, followed by Limpopo and Northern Cape. There were several individual winners who obtained special awards for them standing out among their groups.  The judges were looking for groups that clearly touched on songs, dance, attire, synchronization and whether they have followed the brief. Such performance was led by the same entertainer who was making waves in the SS2011.

Yes, you guessed well, that’s Mandlenkosi Sixolo.