Langa to host IsiXhosa Festival

By Tando Mfengwana
07 November 2006

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport is exhibiting the second annual isiXhosa Festival.

The aim of the festival is to promote the recently marginalise African language.

MEC Whitey Jacobs said that Isixhosa is one of the three official languages in the province.

He said that the department has not had any programs that promote the language and the Xhosa culture and that the festival is there to promote it.

The department hopes to attract thousands of visitors during the week of the festival.

People who are interested in the festival can there will be an official opening on Monday the 13th at the Johnson Ngwevela Civic Hall in Langa.

From the 14 till the 16 showcases storytelling, indigenous music, poetry, Xhosa films and creative writing.

The showcases will be featuring:
· Zindala Zombili Indigenous Dance Competition to be held at Langa Sport Complex
· Xhosa Symbols that will be at Guga S’thebe
· Gospel Music at St Francis Hall
· Youth Jazz Jam Sessions at Maragana Square
· Indigenous games at Langa Stadium

One of the performing artists in the festival, Ntombithongo from the Eastern says that he has a good feeling about the festival because it gives a platform for people to learn about the culture.

Traditional music player, writer and composer, Madonisi Mphahleni said that the youth of the Western Cape has lost their heritage through school and the Western culture they don’t take time to preserve their own.


MEC Jacobs said the reason Langa township was peaked to host this event is because it was the first Black informal settlement in the Western Cape.

He said that this year they’ve involved more partners, to make festival bigger.