3rd Edition of BaTonga Cultural Festival, a celebration of heritage and unity
By Ibin Munsaka
The BaTonga Cultural Festival recently held in Binga Center came alive as a vibrant showcase of the BaTonga people’s rich heritage, uniting locals and visitors in a celebration of traditional dance, music, art, and crafts.
This year’s festival offered an exciting event, with a range of activities scheduled to promote unity, cultural preservation, and community development. The event ran under the theme: “Fostering Education and Environmental Conservation for Development through Cultural Norms.”
Featuring a variety of local artists showcasing their talents, including Ngoma Buntibe and Chilimba, the performances were not only entertaining but also served as a way to preserve and promote the BaTonga culture, further strengthening the community’s identity and pride.
One of the highlights of the festival was the participation of Trust Mweembe, a talented artist from Manjolo ward 7, who showcased his recycling waste project management skills. Inspired by his experiences in East Africa, Trust has been working on this project since 2014, promoting sustainable waste management and recycling in Binga.
“Let’s change our minds, let’s not be ashamed of ourselves because waste is a resource. Youths should also change their mindset because in drugs, you think it will sustain you, instead, you are killing yourself. Let’s stop drug and substance abuse,” said Mweembe.
The festival was also an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate their heritage.
“Today is a big day for us as BaTonga because it’s a celebration at the same time it’s a memory of unity, and renewing our culture and brings togetherness of relatives and friends,” said Mr. Mwiinde Sam, the Social Services Officer for Binga Local Board.
The BaTonga Cultural Festival is an essential event that promotes cultural preservation, unity, and community development. The festival brings together people from different parts of the country, including Bulawayo, Hwange, and Harare, to celebrate BaTonga culture. The event also provides an opportunity for local artists to showcase their talents and for the community to come together and celebrate their heritage.
Jethro Mudenda, a participant from Sinakooma ward 5, warmly welcomed the BaTonga Cultural Festival, describing it as a unifying celebration of heritage. He advocated for the annual hosting of the event, emphasizing its importance in preserving BaTonga culture. Mudenda also highlighted the significance of passing down traditional practices like Ngoma Buntibe to younger generations, ensuring the rich cultural legacy of the BaTonga people endures.
A variety of organizations were present at the festival, including Life Fidelity, Journeys End, Econet, NetOne, ZERA, traditional leaders, and universities such as Lupane State and MSU. Each organization was contributing $10 to support the event, which helped fund activities such as feeding participants and paying entertainers.
The BaTonga Cultural Festival is a vital celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the BaTonga people, promoting unity, cultural preservation, and community development. With its vibrant atmosphere and diverse activities, the festival is an exciting event that showcases the best of BaTonga culture, fostering a sense of belonging and pride among community members.
