The heat is on as the time has come for the final round of the traditional-dance competition, organised by SABC Limpopo Combo and the Radzambo Cultural Foundation. The finals take place at the Makhuvha Stadium this Saturday (12 March) and prize money of more than R200 000 is at stake for the winners.
Over the past month, participating dance groups were eliminated each week as the entries in the various categories were trimmed down. Three groups from each of the seven categories (except the tshikona category) will qualify to participate in the elimination rounds during the finals.
Vhavenda, Tsonga and Pedi dancers will participate in the different traditional Vhavenda dances (tshikhona, tshigombela and malende), Pedi dances (kiba, visa, Basadi bastep, marashia, magagasi and dinaka), and Tsonga dances (maxaxasi, xicaicai, xigubu, xibelani, muchongolo and kutauza).
Among the guests expected to attend the event are the Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, Nocawe Mafu, the MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Thandi Moraka, Kgoshi Moloto from Moeketsi, Thovhele Vho-Kennedy Tshivhase, Thovhele Vho-Lavhelesani Makuya, Thovhele Vho-Musiwa Mphaphuli, Thovhele Vho-Vudzidzhena Nethengwe and many other traditional and regional leaders from around Vhembe.
"We are very pleased with the response we received from the dance groups that participated in this competition since it started a month ago," said Ms Rudzani Mashamba, marketing manager of the Limpopo Combo. She appealed to the participants to be punctual at the stadium on Saturday, as latecomers will be disqualified if they arrive later than 08:00.
Vhamusanda Vho-Livhuwani Matsila from the Radzambo Cultural Foundation said that they were all set and ready for the competition's final round. He invited residents from all around Vhembe to attend the event. "I am very happy and satisfied that the traditional-dance groups are more than ready to showcase their talents and our culture. This is a superb achievement in promoting and preserving our cultures."
Matsila appealed to the youth to respect their elders and stated that Africans must be proud of who they are, their culture and traditions. He offered to provide transportation to all the dance groups who will participate in the finals.