Mazini Mlalazi, Correspondent
THE TG SILUNDIKA beauty pageant which took place in Gala Ward, Bulilima in Matabeleland South province last weekend attracted hundreds of residents to show off their talent and promote Kalanga culture.
The event which is held every year in honour of the late national hero Tarcisius George Silundika is aimed to uplift Kalanga culture and norms. Every year the cultural centre has annual activities which encompass a cultural festival, beauty pageant, marathon and traditional dances.
Tarcisius George Silundika Cultural Community Centre (TGSCCC) founder and manager, Felix Felisizwe Silundika said; “the beauty pageant is part of our efforts as a cultural community centre to preserve and promote the Kalanga Cultural heritage. We couldn’t have been able to get youths interested in learning the Kalanga language by just offering language classes.”
Yvonne Nyoni (23) from Mangarame Village was crowned Miss TiBaKalanga.
“This is not my first time to contest but I am so grateful for my patience. Every year I would be in this competition hoping that one day will be crowned Miss TiBaKalanga. Thanks to the organisers, sponsors and community as a whole. I benefited a lot from these cultural activities as now I know more of Kalanga culture and language as judges were asking questions in Kalanga,” she said.
First Princess was Prominence Dube and second Princess was Sikhanyisile Ndlovu. The TGSCCC is also aiming at helping the local community and revisit all Kalanga activities and the language.
Founded in July 2016, the programme was initiated by family members of the late Zimbabwean nationalist Tarcisius George Silundika. Since then, the TGSCCC has successfully launched and implemented the annual TiBaKalanga Cultural Festival which includes a marathon, a beauty pageant, women empowerment programme (skill training workshop in basketry weaving, beads making and dress making), children’s library and annual football tournament.