Domboshaba trust seeks to improve site
Pini Bothoko | Friday October 9, 2015 12:37
The area where the festival is held just lies in the vicinity of the Domboshaba ruins.
The festival coordinator, Chigedze Chinyepi could not give a timeframe as to when the facility would be improved because the board was still looking for money. The site, an Ikalanga settlement built many years ago , is where the annual festival is held. Chinyepi told Arts & Culture that the trust’s board was not impressed with the appearance of the venue.
“We have plans of developing the site by building permanent structures in which we can be able to use to showcase our historical objects as well as illustrating the Ikalanga culture,” she said.
She added that the idea was to improve the site so that other tribes and tourists to visit the site throughout the year and learn more about Ikalanga culture not only coming during the Domboshaba festival when they usually have less time devoted to learning.
“We wish to see this area developed with proper facilities such toilets to cater for our spectators,” she said.
“This year, through the help of sponsors, we managed to fence the area and construct a traditional courtyard where elders can gather.”
She expressed concerns over the running of the trust, stating that because it was run on voluntary basis, members only met when preparing for the Domboshaba festival, which affects their plans of developing the site.
She however indicated that trust board members have since pledged to meet regularly to see how they can best improve the site.
Chinyepi urged members of the community to rally behind the board in its effort to develop the site.