A new cultural festival aimed at preserving and promoting Tshivenda heritage while creating opportunities for local artists and creatives will make its debut in Beitbridge in September, under the patronage of Chief Tshitaudze.
The inaugural Tshitaudze Heritage Festival will run from September 25 to 27 at Mpande Culture Village under the theme “Vhutambo ha Mvelele ya vhufa ha Ha Tshitaudze.”
Announcing the event yesterday, Chief Tshitaudze said the festival is designed to celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage while creating a platform where culture, creativity and community development converge.
“The festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the region by creating opportunities for local artists and cultural practitioners to showcase their talents in dance, poetry, drama and fashion,” he said.
Chief Tshitaudze said the event would promote the preservation of indigenous cultural identity while embracing innovation and contemporary artistic expression.
“It is an opportunity for our people to tell their own stories through art, performance and cultural exhibitions while ensuring that our heritage remains relevant to future generations,” he said.
The three-day festival will feature traditional dance performances, storytelling sessions, poetry recitals, traditional games, fashion exhibitions and a cook-out competition showcasing local cuisine.
Organisers will also host workshops on performing and visual arts, costume design and event production, alongside arts exhibitions and awards recognising outstanding talent.
Chief Tshitaudze said the festival seeks to address challenges facing artists and cultural practitioners, including limited access to resources, markets and professional development opportunities.
“Through exhibitions, performances, workshops and dialogue, we want to promote cultural authenticity, encourage sustainable cultural practices and foster collaboration among creatives from different sectors,” he said.
He said youth and women’s empowerment would be central to the festival, with organisers aiming to identify, nurture and promote emerging talent.
“Our goal is to provide artists with opportunities to showcase their work, gain exposure and build networks that can help advance their careers,” he said.
Chief Tshitaudze said traditional leaders and elders would also play a pivotal role by mentoring young people through guidance and counselling sessions conducted in Tshivenda, helping to strengthen the transfer of indigenous knowledge and cultural values across generations.
The festival is expected to attract artists, designers, students, models and visitors from across Zimbabwe and neighbouring communities.
Chief Tshitaudze said the long-term vision is to establish the event as an annual cultural festival that nurtures local talent, promotes cultural tourism and contributes to the growth of the creative economy in Beitbridge and the wider Matabeleland South Province.
