The local Rastafarians, or Vhatuka vha Haya na Khadzi, are hosting the fourth annual Reggae Poetry and Storytelling event at the Thathe Entertainment Centre on 20 December.
The event, which had been hosted successfully for the past three years, creates a space for brotherhood retreats, where adults and young men gather to uplift each other and address issues affecting their communities.
"This event brings reggae artists together from different parts of the district and other parts of the country," said Khadzi Nyamukuvha, a storyteller of note in her own right. "As for this time around, we have partnered with the Department of Peace, another community organisation initiated by members of the Rastafarian community within the Vhembe District."
She said that, through the members' interactions during their respective community activities over the years, they had come to realize that they shared similar objectives, on which they intended to collaborate. "We would like to promote and present local reggae, poetry, storytelling and other arts while also fostering social cohesion among Africans," she said. "We will also be able to promote and preserve our heritage and the heritage sites of Vha-Venda."
She added that the Rastas were hardworking people who believed in subsistence farming. "Therefore, we want to initiate more agricultural activities to improve and sustain food sovereignty in Vhembe, especially for the Rastafarian community's plant-based way of life," Nyamukuvha said. "We'll seek more ways to address and promote the issues of literacy and skills development for children and youths."
Vhatuka vha Haya na Khadzi and the Department of Peace are non-profit organisations with no funding. "We call on local businesses and individuals to donate towards this year's event financially and in any other way they are able to," she said. "We need mobile public toilets, fruits, children's books, tents, chairs, and lights. Those attending the event must bring their masks and practise the recommended social distancing. Sanitisers will be provided at the event."
Those who would like to learn more about the event can contact Nyamukuvha on tel. 083 886 4740 or Prince Shoni Rabada on tel. 072 546 3096.