MATABELELAND Entertainment News recently presented an annual Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Day celebration in style at the Hillbrow Theatre, Johannesburg, South Africa.
BY SHARON SIBINDI
Speaking to NewsDay, organiser Mongezi Mpofu, said Johannesburg came alive with more than 1 000 Zimbabweans living in South Africa who converged at the Hillbrow Theatre.
He said the idea of the event was to bring Zimbabweans in the Diaspora together through the arts.
He said the event left people wanting more as they had a lot to share and showcase on the day.
“Thousands of Zimbabweans gathered and celebrated the day with us. One of the poets, Thabani Sibanda, opened the ceremony with his poem Iqhawe Umafukufuku then we sang the national anthem,” he said.
He said gospel outfit Ithemba Lesindiso set the stage on fire followed by Thulie Khumalo, whose performance was “breathtaking”.
Mehluli Moyo from Joshua Nkomo Cultural Movement in Bulawayo gave a motivational speech in which he spoke of the values espoused by Nkomo and encouraged those who attended to preserve his legacy.
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Mpofu said there was a fusion of all kinds of dances to unite Zimbabweans in the Diaspora and preach tolerance.
Some of the dances included isitshikitsha, ingquzu and buKalanga gwamuka traditional dances.
During the same event, Nicholas Mabhena received the Dr Joshua Nkomo Leadership Award for his selfless and voluntary service in assisting Zimbabweans in South Africa with the renewal of their permits. Ernest Ndlovu of the Makorokoza fame received the Matabeleland Entertainment News Recognition Award for outstanding achievements in the South African television industry against the odds.
Ndlovu has featured in popular South African television soapies — Generations, Scandal, Rhythm City, Isibaya and Ingane Zobaba.
“The late Dr Joshua Nkomo was a symbol of unity and through such community initiatives we unite and conscientise our people on ubuntu, take pride in our identity wherever we are in the world, and preserve our heritage and history that make us who we are,” Mpofu said.
