Cultural values key to fighting drug abuse — Matabeleland South Minister of State Nguluvhe

Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]

MINISTER of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe has said instilling cultural and traditional values among young people is one of the key strategies in fighting the drug and substance abuse scourge.

Speaking recently during the Inqama Arts Festival in the Simbumbumbu area of Gwanda District, Minister Nguluvhe said Government recognises cultural festivals as platforms for communities to harness their heritage and stimulate local economic activity.

The festival seeks to revive Ndebele heritage among young people.

It provided a platform for Amatshitshi and Amabutho, a group of young boys and girls dressed in traditional Ndebele attire, to showcase cultural practices while promoting a stronger connection between the younger generation and its heritage.

The festival was held under the theme, “Sibuyela Emuva Ukuya Phambili – Reclaiming Our Roots, Shaping Our Future.”

Minister Nguluvhe applauded the Thobela Arts Foundation, Inqama Arts Festival Committee and the community for creating a platform that safeguards indigenous culture while promoting youth development.

“As Government, we recognise that devolution is about empowering communities to participate in and benefit from development in their own localities. Festivals such as this demonstrate how communities can use their own heritage and resources to drive local development.

“We look back not because we want to remain in the past, but because we want to take the best of our heritage with us as we move forward. Our young people need opportunities that build discipline, confidence, leadership and a sense of belonging,” he said.

Minister Nguluvhe said the theme, “Sibuyela Emuva Ukuya Phambili,” speaks directly to the importance of knowing where we come from as we chart the future.

He said development must not come at the expense of identity, language, traditions and values.

He said there was a need to upscale the documentation of oral history, traditional performances and indigenous knowledge to ensure that the stories and wisdom of elders are not lost with each generation.

Minister Nguluvhe said the Amatshitshi eNqama and Ibutho leNqama cultural programmes play an important role in developing discipline, confidence, leadership and a strong sense of identity among young people.

@DubeMatutu