Acclaimed praise poet, author and language activist Masingita Shibambu, widely known as Ntombi Ya Mutsonga to her numerous fans, successfully hosted the first annual Indigenous Language Champ Awards (ILCA) held at the Malamulele Community Hall on Friday, 16 June.
The inaugural ILC Awards, aimed at celebrating linguistic excellence and cultural diversity, attracted overwhelming attendance, with a crowd of more than 400 people, including Hosi Shilungwa Mhinga from Mhinga village. The event was sponsored by Old Mutual.
Ms Mutsonga, founder of the Ntombi Ya Mutsonga Foundation, shared her belief in the importance of preserving and celebrating African languages. "As we do this, we also want to create platforms that spark conversations about preserving indigenous languages and how each person or artist, regardless of background, can contribute to remedying the identity crisis our country faces," she said.
The ILC Awards proudly announced the first winners in each category respectively. Schools such as Shikundu High, EPP Mhinga High, and others were among the participants. Kurisani Makondo and Gavaza Maswanganyi were selected as the Best Indigenous Spelling Bee winners, while Kuhluka Baloyi and Tshamisekani Hlungwani won the Best Indigenous Poet category. Michele Chauke and Nyowela Nyoni were honoured as the Best Indigenous Readers.
The winners were each presented with a special trophy dedicated to the legendary 90-year-old Xitsonga musician, HW Makhubela, born as Hlengani Makhubele, in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the industry.
The ILC Awards also paid tribute to outstanding teachers and learners in indigenous home languages. "It was a momentous occasion as it marked Makhubela's first-ever honour. We wanted to honour active citizens who are playing a part in preserving indigenous languages in all aspects of life," said Mutsonga.