Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Langalakhe Mabena
Chief Dakamela of Nkayi in Matabeleland North, has revealed that the third edition of the Dakamela Appreciation Awards will be held on 4 and 5 April at koDakamela Hall, Nkayi, at an event expected to be a massive festival in the region.
Also known as Imiklomelo kaDakamela, the awards recognises the invaluable contributions made by members of the community in Matabeleland who serve as pillars of inspiration.
Chief Dakamela, a beacon of transformative leadership shown in his remarkable efforts in uplifting his rural community, invited people from different walks of life to be part of this year’s extravaganza.
“As we wish you a happy and prosperous new year filled with love, hope, unity of purpose and progress, I would like to invite you to our third addition of Imiklomelo kaDakamela and reminding all of us that its success largely relies on all of us.
“I pray that each one of you will be the drop that will make the ocean overflow as we prepare for the awards which we expect to be much bigger compared to previous editions. Let’s all play our part in ensuring the success of this event. May the Good Lord guide us and bless us as we brace for 2025,” said Chief Dakamela.
Last year, the awards attracted over 2 000 people including cultural leaders, politicians, arts and culture enthusiasts as well as members from the local community.
On their third edition, Dakamela said this year’s event meant to recognise people who are doing well in different disciplines, is expected to be much bigger compared to previous editions as they aim at attracting more people.
“We launched these awards in 2022 as a way of recognising and rewarding people in our community who are doing well in uplifting us in different disciplines. Both the first and second edition were a success, meaning this year we are aiming even higher to attract people as this is a cultural event that promotes domestic tourism,” said Chief Dakamela.
Last year, four beasts were slaughtered for the guests who attended the event, with Carl Joshua Ncube’s Rural AirBnB initiative providing culinary services to those who were at the high table.
Notable people who attended last year’s event are the late Historian Pathisa Nyathi, Albert Nyathi, Brilliant Ncube of Kingdom Blue Funerals, Bulelani Khumalo,and Um’Africakazi, among others.
Imvelo — a vibrant musical production from Bulawayo were the major performers at the awards.
