The final curtain came down for the Eastern Cape as hosts of the national traditional music awards ceremony at the weekend.
This year’s glamorous South African Traditional Music Achievement (Satma) Awards event was held at the University of Fort Hare in Alice, where a host of artists were honoured for their contribution to traditional music.
The presence of international human rights activist Reverend Jesse Jackson was the highlight of the occasion.
The event was also graced by three Eastern Cape kings – Ndamase Ndamase of Western Pondoland, Mpendulo Sigcawu of AmaXhosa and Zanozuko Sigcau of AmaMpondo. Chief Patekile Holomisa was also in attendance.
Other high-profile dignitaries included IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Judge President of Natal Judge Vuka Tshabalala, Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle, MECs Pemmy Majodina and Mlibo Qoboshiyane, legislature speaker Noxolo Kiviet, comedy legend Joe Mafela, music sensations Abigail Kubeka, Ihashi Elimhlophe, Phuzekhemesi, veteran actress Leleti Khumalo and National Heritage Council CEO Sonwabile Mangcotywa.
Other dignitaries included praise singer Zolani Mkiva, musician Tu Nokwe, radio personality Criselda Kananda, Ace Ngcobo and Joyous Celebration co-founder Jabu Hlongwane.
Kubeka, Elimhlophe, Phuzekhemesi, Khumalo, Tu Nokwe and Mkiva were presented with lifetime achievement awards.
One of the winners of the weekend was the Daily Dispatch’s Mthatha bureau chief and traditional affairs reporter, Lulamile Feni.
Feni was nominated in the category for the best traditional and cultural journalist in print media, alongside Jabulani Langa of the Daily Sun and Thokozani Ndlovu of Isolezwe Ngomgqibelo.
Feni was announced as the winner of his category on Friday night.
“I would like to thank God for this award because I owe all my success to Him. I want to thank everyone who voted for me; this victory is theirs as much as it is mine,” he said.
Feni, who has been writing about traditional affairs for more than 10 years, said he was happy to be recognised for his efforts in turning the spotlight on traditional issues in the province.
“Special thanks to all the traditional leaders who are the subjects of my articles every day. I am also very grateful for the support I have received from my family over the years,” Feni added yesterday.
The Satma Awards, founded in 2005 and inaugurated in 2006, are the brain-child of Dr Dumisani Goba. The event has been hosted in the Eastern Cape since 2012. Goba said they would celebrate their 10th anniversary in their home province, KwaZulu-Natal, next year.
Addressing the gathering this weekend, Jackson said he had been blessed to be a freedom fighter all his life.
“We won both battles against apartheid, in South Africa and in the United States. We must not forget where we come from. Let’s not forget that people died and the prize was worth the price,” he said.
Jackson then urged South Africans to fight inequality. “We fought a war to end apartheid – now let’s fight a war to end poverty. We must honour the legacy of Tambo, Biko and Mandela.”
Masualle then presented Jackson with a royal robe made of animal skin.
Speaking about Jackson, Buthelezi said: “This great man played an important role in supporting the liberation struggle. We appreciate this great son of Africa and America.”
Majodina accepted an award on behalf of the Eastern Cape for the best provincial arts and culture department.
Yesterday, Jackson travelled to amaXhosa King Mpendulo Sigcawu’s Nqadu Great Place about 10km from Willowvale to receive the King Hintsa Bravery Award from the king. This was in recognition of Jackson’s contribution to the liberation struggle and human rights. More than 300 people, including traditional leaders and government officials, gathered at the great place to celebrate and meet Jackson.
lFor a list of the winners, go to www.dispatchlive.co.za — Additional reporting by Lulamile Feni
Video: EC hosts glittering Satma Awards
This year’s glamorous South African Traditional Music Achievement (Satma) Awards event was held at the University of Fort Hare in Alice, where a host of artists were honoured for their contribution to traditional music.
The presence of international human rights activist Reverend Jesse Jackson was the highlight of the occasion.
The event was also graced by three Eastern Cape kings – Ndamase Ndamase of Western Pondoland, Mpendulo Sigcawu of AmaXhosa and Zanozuko Sigcau of AmaMpondo. Chief Patekile Holomisa was also in attendance.
Other high-profile dignitaries included IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Judge President of Natal Judge Vuka Tshabalala, Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle, MECs Pemmy Majodina and Mlibo Qoboshiyane, legislature speaker Noxolo Kiviet, comedy legend Joe Mafela, music sensations Abigail Kubeka, Ihashi Elimhlophe, Phuzekhemesi, veteran actress Leleti Khumalo and National Heritage Council CEO Sonwabile Mangcotywa.
Other dignitaries included praise singer Zolani Mkiva, musician Tu Nokwe, radio personality Criselda Kananda, Ace Ngcobo and Joyous Celebration co-founder Jabu Hlongwane.
Kubeka, Elimhlophe, Phuzekhemesi, Khumalo, Tu Nokwe and Mkiva were presented with lifetime achievement awards.
One of the winners of the weekend was the Daily Dispatch’s Mthatha bureau chief and traditional affairs reporter, Lulamile Feni.
Feni was nominated in the category for the best traditional and cultural journalist in print media, alongside Jabulani Langa of the Daily Sun and Thokozani Ndlovu of Isolezwe Ngomgqibelo.
Feni was announced as the winner of his category on Friday night.
“I would like to thank God for this award because I owe all my success to Him. I want to thank everyone who voted for me; this victory is theirs as much as it is mine,” he said.
Feni, who has been writing about traditional affairs for more than 10 years, said he was happy to be recognised for his efforts in turning the spotlight on traditional issues in the province.
“Special thanks to all the traditional leaders who are the subjects of my articles every day. I am also very grateful for the support I have received from my family over the years,” Feni added yesterday.
The Satma Awards, founded in 2005 and inaugurated in 2006, are the brain-child of Dr Dumisani Goba. The event has been hosted in the Eastern Cape since 2012. Goba said they would celebrate their 10th anniversary in their home province, KwaZulu-Natal, next year.
Addressing the gathering this weekend, Jackson said he had been blessed to be a freedom fighter all his life.
“We won both battles against apartheid, in South Africa and in the United States. We must not forget where we come from. Let’s not forget that people died and the prize was worth the price,” he said.
Jackson then urged South Africans to fight inequality. “We fought a war to end apartheid – now let’s fight a war to end poverty. We must honour the legacy of Tambo, Biko and Mandela.”
Masualle then presented Jackson with a royal robe made of animal skin.
Speaking about Jackson, Buthelezi said: “This great man played an important role in supporting the liberation struggle. We appreciate this great son of Africa and America.”
Majodina accepted an award on behalf of the Eastern Cape for the best provincial arts and culture department.
Yesterday, Jackson travelled to amaXhosa King Mpendulo Sigcawu’s Nqadu Great Place about 10km from Willowvale to receive the King Hintsa Bravery Award from the king. This was in recognition of Jackson’s contribution to the liberation struggle and human rights. More than 300 people, including traditional leaders and government officials, gathered at the great place to celebrate and meet Jackson.
lFor a list of the winners, go to www.dispatchlive.co.za — Additional reporting by Lulamile Feni
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