By Doreen Mokgolo
For thousands across Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Limpopo and North West, one can’t properly celebrate the new year without a trip to the annual Diturupa festival in Marapyane in Mpumalanga.
For over five decades, dance groups from different communities have been converging upon the village on 2 January to participate in the festival.
Men and women of all ages arrive clad in military regalia to show off their dance skills to the beat of the drum and the joy of thousands of spectators who cheer with pride.
Event organiser Kgosi Motsene hailed this year’s event and told Scrolla.Africa that it was held to celebrate and keep the Diturupa tradition alive.
“In the past different groups used to perform informally in a bid to entertain residents in the villages over the festive season,” he explained.
“This was to keep young people occupied and away from social ills during the summer period until they go back to school.”
He added that in 2018 they decided to bring all the groups under one umbrella where residents can enjoy the spectacle without having to follow a single group around the villages.
After the event, groups will receive a small token of appreciation for participating in the festival from the funds raised from the ticket sales.
Margaret Mofomme, a 65-year-old from Makapanstad in the North West, said she has been part of Diturupa from the age of eight.
“Diturupa is part of our culture and lifestyle, and I will only retire when my feet can no longer carry me.
“We have been preparing for the day from September to update our dance moves and other technical skills. Our hard work has paid off as we received over R500 from the crowd,” she added.
The pensioner said her wish is to see more young people participating in the festival to ensure that the tradition doesn’t fade away with time.
“We have taken the baton from our forefathers and now we are handing it over to young performers.”
Pictured above: A group of dancers perform at Diturupa festival
Image source: Doreen Mokgolo
