PREPARATIONS for this year’s multi-day cultural event, the iMiklomelo kaDakamela Festival, are at an advanced stage. Organisers promise a vibrant programme packed with music, cultural activities, sport and traditional experiences.
Several workshops will run alongside the festival programme, including sessions for schools and the community focusing on how residents can monetise waste such as plastic bottles. The popular Amahubo workshops will also return, led by renowned facilitators.
Festival-goers from across Zimbabwe, as well as visitors from South Africa and Tanzania, can look forward to a variety of activities such as campfire storytelling led by the local chief, traditional bush dinners, a unique camping experience and sporting events, including the trademark Bosso social soccer match and the introduction of cricket, emakhaya.
Event coordinator and organiser Desmond Ntini confirmed that preparations are progressing well and expressed confidence that the programme will run smoothly.
He said attendees would, for the first time, experience a cricket match in a rural setting, alongside the festival’s trademark soccer match featuring Highlanders Football Club, popularly known as Bosso, against teams such as Nkayi United.
“What also makes this year special is that we are celebrating Bosso at 100 and what better way to mark this milestone than in Nkayi during iMiklomelo kaDakamela? We are also expecting members of the royalty to attend, including Umntwana uThulani from South Africa, who is the spokesperson for King Misuzulu,” he said.
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However, Ntini noted that the festival is facing funding challenges following the decision to extend the number of days for this year’s event.
“Our main challenge this year centres on funding, since we have increased the number of days for the festival. A large number of people from the koDakamela community and surrounding areas attend the event and we must cater to them. We are, therefore, appealing for more support. At the same time, we remain grateful to our chief sponsor and other partners who continue to support the festival,” he said.
The iMiklomelo kaDakamela Festival will run from April 3 to 6 at the chief’s homestead in Nkayi district, with special guests including Gama Mbokane from Tanzania, Prince Wandile Ngobese, Umntwana waseZibindini uThulani kaGqikazi kaSolomon and Princess Andile Mabhena from South Africa expected to grace the event0.
One of the anticipated attendees, Thembisile Goba, said the festival continued to grow each year.
“I cannot wait to attend the event because it is both exciting and educational,” she said.
Public relations officer for African Kings Diaspora Alliance, Nicola Khoury, echoed similar sentiments, saying many people are looking forward to the event.
“This year is very exciting. It reflects the chief’s humility and commitment to making the event successful. So many people are counting on this festival and he is delivering,” she said.
Ntini also revealed that organisers have collaborated with the Isintu Festival, which will host a mini- music festival within iMiklomelo kaDakamela.
The collaboration will also include an empowerment workshop for local artists, featuring Paul Gwala, who is expected to deliver a motivational talk to inspire and equip creatives from the community.
The Isintu Festival is an international cultural festival established to celebrate and promote Southern Africa heritage through music, dance, and cultural expression, while also creating a platform for emerging artists.