Ibutho lika Lozikeyi girls steal the show at King Mzilikazi cultural event
Nkosile Khumalo
A group of young girls from Mpopoma, known as Ibutho lika Lozikeyi, put on a stunning performance at Mhlanhlandlela Heritage Site during the 22nd King Mzilikazi annual commemorations last Saturday, showcasing their pride in Ndebele culture.
The girls, performing in traditional attire that included some topless members, left the crowd amazed as they sang and danced to authentic Ndebele songs.
Their arrival at the event was met with thunderous applause as the crowd joined in with singing, whistling, and ululating, celebrating the cultural significance of the performance. The girls danced proudly, embracing a tradition of Ndebele women as part of an effort to “restore lost culture,” according to the group’s leader.
The Ibutho Lika Lozikeyi group founder,Patricia Tshabalala says it was established with the goal of fostering love and respect among young people while addressing issues such as drug and substance abuse, rape and other harmful behaviours.
“The group has been active for three yeas,It’s a sister-to-sister and brother-to-brother club where we teach young people to form respectful relationships. After what they learn at Vulindlela, they won’t be going around committing crimes or getting involved in drugs. They will become responsible young adults,” Tshabalala said.
Tshabalala, a human rights activist and also the founder of Vulindlela orphanage in Mpopoma, holds her meetings with the group at the center, where they are taught about sexual reproductive health, practical skills and self-help projects. The centre also provides critical support to vulnerable youth, helping them acquire civil registration documents, securing school fees, and offering shelter and groceries.
“Through our partnership with Trinity and support from donors, we’ve been able to help the girls get their birth certificates. We also pay their school fees and provide them with groceries and shelter. Our work also extends to helping the elderly in the community,” Tshabalala explained.
Tshabalala praised the girls for their performance at Mhlanhlandlela, saying they had exceeded her expectations. She also shared her plans to grow the group by incorporating boys with the hope of creating an Ibutho/Imbizo that includes both genders.
“Next time we perform at Mhlanhlandlela, I hope we can all spend the night there and celebrate our culture through the night,” Tshabalala said.
