04 Jul 2023

Wayeyi annual cultural festival has been praised for its role in the preservation the Wayeyi culture.

The accolades were from the director of Tribal Administration, Patrick Tlotleng, who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development at the Wayeyi Annual Festival in Gumare on Saturday.

Tlotleng appreciated that the festival showcased talent from different traditional groups of adults, youth and children, which he said would ensure continuity.

He however implored the Wayeyi to promote other cultural sectors such as food, song and artefacts which could be marketed locally and internationally for economic benefit.

“I understand that Wayeyi are one of the best story tellers in Africa with epic stories such as their Nyinamwere legendary story,” he said. 

Tlotleng observed that in some countries story telling was a money spinner.

He also encouraged the Wayeyi to safe their culture from extinction by documenting it.

On the issue of Wayeyi advocacy, Tlotleng said this year marked the sixth year anniversary of recognition of Wayeyi tribe with their kgosi, Shikati Jacob Seidisa. 

He said government was striving to achieve unity, diversity and equality before the law.

He said the aim was to have the recognition not only on paper but have changes that would accommodate a balance of different interests.

The government, he said, stood for a united and proud nation, hence accommodated diversity of cultures.

In his welcome remarks, Shikati Seidisa said the cultural festival was a historical moment for the Wayeyi people.

He observed that their dialogue with government, which started as far back as the 1930s, has been peaceful.

Shikati Seidisa said their desire was to have some villages in the North West recognised as those of Wayeyi, noting that initially about seven villages had a concentration of Wayeyi people, but the number had since increased to about 50 villages.

Regarding the festival, Shikati Seidisa expressed disappointment that the attendance was lower this year as compared to other years.

Meanwhile, the festival was marked by performances from different Wayeyi groups of Seperu and Kharakhara traditional song and dance. ENDS