The local AmaMpondo tribe danced and sang their songs as they launched their traditional house in the province on Saturday.
In their colourful attire, AmaMpondo gathered at the community hall in Brown’s Farm, Philippi. Its Chief, Nkosi Danisibhunga Tiya was the proudest person on the day.
The tribe is among those who were granted recognition by the Western Cape government and the chief said he was eager to resume his duties immediately.
The proud inkosi was adamant that their presence in the province would bring about peace and stability within the different nations.
However, he said, respect and dignity should start at home, within AmaMpondo.
He said the house of its traditional leaders would carry the tribe’s pride and dignity and that the priority would be to teach young AmaMpondo the importance of culture, custom and respect for the elders and the nation.
“Our presence will bring peace and stability in our areas through our young people. We will be teaching them a lot through our cultures. Some of the crimes are caused by young people who were never taught about cultures and customs. We now will be able to identify ourselves and take pride in our traditions, culture and remove discrimination they have endured from other nations in the past,” he said.
With their different activities it was clear that dignity and respect were the order of the day. Different amaMpondo groups took to the stage with ululations and cheers.
The inkosi also urged young people to never forget their roots. “Our cultures and traditions are very important. Young people should carry it whenever they are. AmaMpondo are also law-abiding people, they respect the law. I am sure they carry the tribe with pride,” he said.
The chief has promised to be of good service to the AmaMpondo and thanked the Western Cape government for finally recognising them in the province, along with other tribes and nations.
Chief Vulithuba Toto Nongwe of AmaXesibe who was among the speakers who also thanked the government for recognising the chiefs, who, he said, had for a long time struggled to get recognition from the Western Cape government.
“The system has been tough on us but here we are today celebrating with AmaMpondo. It has been a long road that even needed commissions. I am happy to be here to witness this day that I am also going to have soon. We are grateful to the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport for the support they gave us,” he said.
He also called on all the tribes and chiefs to unite and take care of the traditions, culture and customs of the black nation.
Thandwa Ntshona, principal cultural officer from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, said his department congratulated AmaMpondo and said he was looking forward to hearing them speaking their language more than before and expressing themselves with fear.
