Heritage Empowerment: Embracing Cultural Values For Brighter Future For Girls
We catch up with Nkanyezi Ntanda, a 23 year old woman with a passion for culture, education, and empowerment. She is the founder and leader of Ukukhanya Kwezintombi Cultural Group, which operates under the guidance of Gogo MaNtanda. She is currently a third-year university student. Nkanyezi is also a young entrepreneur and the founder of NyeziArtworks.
Ukukhanya Kwezintombi Cultural Group was established to guide young girls on the importance of abstinence and self respect. Nkanyezi shared that their vision is to take girls off the streets, empower them to take control of their bodies, and help prevent teenage pregnancy through cultural values and positive mentorship.
The Maidens are taught to embrace their culture by learning indigenous song and dance. This dance also serves as a health fitness to them. Additionally, they receive intensive education on empowerment, focusing on abstinence, financial independence, formal education, accountability and responsibility about their lives. These empowerment programmes aimed at lessening teenage pregnancy. Moreover, the cultural group seeks to promote and preserve African culture, customs and heritage, as many of these traditions are slowly fading in South Africa.
Nkanyezi emphasises that the Ukukhanya Kwezintombi Cultural group aims to teach the Maidens that marriage is not the ultimate achievement, but rather their formal education is the true trophy in their lives. “We encourage the maidens to strive for at least three University degrees, establish stable careers, and travel the world to enjoy the fruits of their labours before considering marriage” Nkanyezi stresses that Ukukhanya Kwezintombi Cultural Group teaches the Maidens to be financial independent, to be responsible for their success, and never rely solely on man for financial stability.
Nkanyezi is appealing to the donors to support the maidens with essential resources, including School Uniforms, winter tracksuits, transportation to camps and food sponsorship for their trips.
Ukukhanya Kwezintombi Cultural Group relies on event bookings to raise funds. They are available to perform at weddings, birthday parties, graduation ceremonies and baby showers. By supporting and booking them, will be directly contributing to an empowerment of the young Girls. Visit our store to buy NyeziArtwork https://sismantoa.abafaziphambili.org.za/product/african-beads-3/
- Bookings Contacts: +27 633178818
- Fee: R1500 (excluding transport)
- Facebook page: @Ukukhanya Kwezintombi
