THE People's Park at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, KZN was the place to be on Saturday, 3 June.
Many people, including Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa and celebrities, gathered to enjoy the traditional dance festival called Ingoma kaZwelonke.
The minister surprised many when he arrived with amabutho dressed in full Zulu traditional attire.
Celebrities such as Umkhokha actress Nelisiwe Sibiya, Umkhokha actor Sibonile Ngubane, Durban Gen actress Nombulelo Mhlongo, TV presenter Nonkanyiso Conco, Big Zulu and Sjava attended the event.
Sixty traditional dance groups competed during the festival, and maskandi groups also wow the audience.
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Event organiser Xolani Mcineka told Daily Sun that they're happy that their festival is growing and grateful that minister Kodwa attended.
"I was happy to see him wearing a Zulu traditional attire because with this festival, we recognise all cultures and unite the nation behind the festival. We are Ingoma kaZwelonke because it embraces all traditional dances and cultures," he said.
Kodwa told Daily Sun that he participated in the festival as the arts minister because artists are very important for nation building.
"When we see people celebrating, we join them because as the department we support it and it will continue to grow.
"It's important to celebrate who we are, our identity and African identity. And I am not shy, as you can see, I'm wearing traditional clothes today. Ingoma kaZwelonke is not just about KZN, it's about the whole country. It's important for people to celebrate their cultures," Kodwa said.
Big Zulu said they were happy to be part of the festival with their group from their rural village in Bergville to show their roots.
The festival was also attended by KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane and ActionSA KZN leader, Zwakele Mncwango.
