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Xhosa activists' gift to the people of Matebeleland

by Thulani Nkala
31 May 2016 at 17:38hrs | Views
On the 25th June 2016 Siphesakhe Threatre Group will launch its Gukurahundi Play called Loyiko in the heart of Johannesburg at Hilbrow Theatre.

Siphesakhe is a group of young people of Xhosa origin who are well in tune with what happened in Zimbabwe between 1983 to 1987. "We want to play our part in exposing the genocide which happened in Zimbabwe, this has got nothing to do with Ndebeles being our cousins, we would do the same if the Ndebeles had killed the Shonas, our aim is to achieve justice for the victims" said one of the Sephesakhe Group members.

When engaging a group of people from Matebeleland the group leader, stated that many South Africans are not aware of the genocide and some are not even aware of the existence of Mzilikazi's people in Zimbabwe. He went onto to say that their interaction with Matebele people has revealed to them the genocide but above all the continued mistreatment at the hands of the Shona government. "We are not ashamed to take sides in this saga, we believe we are on the right side of history, we are aware that the Matebeles suffered untold psychological trauma and hence they are not able to voice their plight to the world, but we are aware that soon they will find their voice and they shall fight their struggle of recognition in Zimbabwe" Sephesakhe grp leader said.

Millions of Matebeles sought refuge in South Africa in the 1980s at the height of the genocide and Hilbrow is the epicentre of their settlement. The group invites all the people from Matebeleland, Sothos, Tswanas, Vendas, Ngunis, Kalangas etc to this great launch which definitely unlock the gates and confer the confidence onto the victims so they can voice their plight.
It is hoped that different groups and individuals from Matebeleland, ranging from media houses, music and cultural groups will attend this great event.
Uncouth people have tried to hijack the play with a view of preventing the group from telling the truth, however, the group has rejected the ‘blood money', they are fundraising in different ways, such as the sale of t-shirts and sponsorships/donations:
 https://www.gofundme.com/24vhdd74#sthash.DwrieTx9.dpuf
You can contact them directly at: loyikotheatreplay@gmail.com or call 0027717548206/0027627649602 and 0027849603154.



Source - Thulani Nkala
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