Tembe clan celebrates Umthayi Festival
The festival attracted many VIP visitors, including representatives from neighbouring countries such as Swaziland and Mozambique
THOUSANDS of Tembe community members gathered at the eMfihlweni Royal Residence in KwaNgwanase to celebrate the 2018 Umthayi Festival on Saturday.
The festival attracted many VIP visitors, including representatives from neighbouring countries such as Swaziland and Mozambique.
Thousands of local residents brought their 10-litre containers filled with marula beer.
MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Sihle Zikalala, said collaboration between the Tembe Traditional Authority and the government has helped to grow this important festival.
‘This festival occupies a significant place in the cultural life of not only KwaZulu-Natal, but of our country.
‘It brings together people from three countries and can therefore be described as an international festival.
‘It also brings together people from various language groups, representing the unity in diversity that is the hallmark of our fledgling democracy,’ said Zikalala.
He added that the government will ensure that the festival not only continues to exist , but also thrives because of its cultural value.
‘Festivals of this nature are not easy to establish, but are easy to destroy if we lose sight of their value to society.
‘This festival is about inculcating the values of respect, honesty, hard work and discipline.
‘While it also signals a period of renewal for the Tembe people, it also fosters restraint and builds unity among the people of this community,’ he said.
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