The community of Emjindini Trust with Chief Kenneth Nkosi had the opportunity to watch the local Travelling Museum Group when they recently performed at the Royal Emjindini Kraal.
According to Nicollet Pingo, coordinator, the group presents Swazi culture as it was in the past and today. “Moving away from the cultural village format, the group explores the complexities of culture and history in an interactive and meaningful way”. The group, which comprises seven Emjindini Trust community members, is a development project which was initiated by the University of Witwatersrand. The members are Nelisiwe Mhlanga, Njabulo Nkosi, Bongane Makoane, Mpendulo Mathebula, Sakhile Nkosi, Alice and Leon Samuels. The piece was researched and created by them and they received extensive training in museum development and drama. They created three loan boxes which they performed for the community.
The first was a Sangoma box (traditional healers), which explores the fascinating world of traditional healing, dress and training. They show how Sangomas are called, the training they undergo and the wealth of knowledge they possess about traditional medicines. This vibrant presentation also provides a variety of different narratives demonstrating how people from all walks of life are called to be Sangomas. The second was the Swazi traditional dance box, which have interesting customs and traditions, beautiful clothing and vibrant dance moves. This theme was explored through youthful narratives as well as traditional Swazi stories. The use of traditional dance as expression of one’s emotions was explored in this performance.
The third box was the Memories of the Swazi box (pre- and post apartheid). This exploration of history provided new insight into old tales. The box focused on early Barberton life (1910-1950), apartheid (1950-1994) and township life (post 1994). It took the audience on a journey through time and gave a slice of South Africa’s personal stories. All the boxes were presented through storytelling, song, dance and drama.
The performances were well received by the elders of the community, who happily joined in with familiar songs and were captured by the fascinating stories presented. Nkosi personally wished the group well and asked them that they remember their roots as they successfully move towards a bright future.

Bongane Makoane performs the Traditional dance box