SIYABUSWA, KAMEELRIVIER – Ndebele heritage, local crafts and tourism took centre stage at the Colour of Identity Tourism Expo, bringing together creatives, entrepreneurs and cultural performers over the weekend.
Hosted by Memento’s Lifestyle on 3 and 4 October, the two-day expo showcased Ndebele culture while highlighting tourism’s potential to create opportunities and stimulate economic activity in Dr JS Moroka.
Memento’s Lifestyle owner and Nkangala Regional Tourism Organisation Chairperson Memento Skhosana said tourism could play an important role in developing communities and creating employment.
“Tourism is the future of boosting our local economy and creating job opportunities for our locals. Therefore, we should take it seriously and idolise it,” Skhosana said.
The expo was supported by the National Department of Tourism and the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA), which provided information and support for small businesses and cultural tourism initiatives at their gazebos.
Ndebele activist and businessman Thando Mahlangu, who trades in Ndebele art and crafts, said the expo was about more than displaying products.
“Through this expo and the local tourism tours we are hosting across our two municipalities, Dr JS Moroka and Thembisile Hani, our mandate is simple. It is not only to showcase our arts and crafts, but to create opportunities for our locals and put our work on the map,” Mahlangu said.
He said local creatives should draw inspiration from established Ndebele artists such as Dr Esther Mahlangu while creating opportunities for the next generation.
“We are trying to inject wisdom and knowledge into our locals that through tourism, there is life. People should invest in tourism and be part of tourism so we can create a better living,” he said.
Stalls displayed African attire, beadwork, traditional hats, bags and Ndebele art. Exhibitors, including Nobukhosi Bemvelo Legacy and other local brands, showcased handmade products.
The event also provided a platform for cultural performances, with traditional dancers entertaining visitors through music and dance.
Another highlight was Zakhele, known as Mazakazaka the Living Statue, who entertained attendees with pantsula dance moves.
The expo formed part of efforts to promote local tourism and increase visibility for businesses and creatives whose work is rooted in Ndebele culture.
For organisers and exhibitors, the event demonstrated how cultural heritage can celebrate identity while creating economic opportunities within communities.
