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Traditional dances should become a unifying factor: Mthethwa

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Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa says traditional dances should become a unifying factor to overcome challenges of tribal conflict. He was speaking at the final of the annual SABC radio station, Phalaphala FM  and Radzambo traditional dance competition at Makhuvha stadium outside Thohoyandou in Limpopo.

Mthethwa says the appreciation of traditional dances must be extended to neighbouring countries.

” It should expand here in the province first and also be able to go beyond the national border. We should find a way of connecting with them and use culture and arts for social cohesion even challenges like in Vuwani for instance would be  overcome,  our people are one and can never be divided by culture , therefore become this unifying factor.”

More than 20 traditional dance groups from various part of the Vhembe District Municipality were competing in the final. They included Tshikona and Malende. Some of the participants say they are grateful that traditional dances are getting exposure.

“When time goes on we can go and participate somewhere, maybe at a funeral Tshikona of Vhatavhatsindi, if it is used for the ancestors. I need the whole Africa to do a competition here in Limpopo Vhembe, my dream is to improve,” says one of the participants.

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