Inkhosi KJ Malaza's Ummemo - Cultural Festival 1st May - Part 1

Bright and early on the cool Sunday morning of 1st May, Silvia and I dressed in our best trad African glad rags and set off to Chief KJ Malaza's annual Ummemo at the Chief's Kraal in Tjakafontein, close to Badplaas. We felt honoured to be attending such a grand affair as tourism representatives, having been invited by dear, beautiful Zodwa Nkosi, member of the Tribal Council, wife to one of our Indunas, Arts and Culture champion and facebook friend!

Things were still being prepared, so we checked out the market stall ladies, and then had an explanation of the Ummemo from the MC for the day Dr JZM Sambo, honoured in public speaking and a leader in Mpumalanga in choral development both in the schools and with the Police Music Competition each September.


Dr Sambo explained that the Ummemo is a "harvest thanks giving" for the community. He told us that the custom amongst the Nguni peoples is that they may not eat from the fields until after the Ummemo has taken place. The Ummemo also serves as a celebration of culture, allowing the young people to learn their culture from the older people, building identity, unity and pride amongst the community. Traditional dress is worn, and young and old perform traditional dance in front of the chief and invited VIPs, and for the crowds of villagers who attend.

I found it fascinating to be experiencing the real tribal governance of South Africa in action. As well as the Provincial and local Municipalities, tribal councils exist and are sponsored by national government.

Zodwa took us on a tour of the Chief's kraal to show us all the activities which had already taken place that morning. At 0500hr, sunrise, a cow had been slaughtered by the Chief and his Indunas (the senior men of the community) in a circular kraal, surrounded by tall sticks, which is the spiritual and royal place where the Chief and Indunas meet three times a year to discuss the affairs of the community. Then we met with the dance groups who were keen to pose for the camera in their beautiful dance clothes. People around were all busy, men and women alike, preparing the slaughtered cow for the VIP lunch later in the day, fires boiling up big cast iron pots, traditional drinks of umqombothi (traditional beer) and mahewu (sour maize juice) being made.