Dive Into Tradition: King Lobengula Heritage & Culture Festival This September!
Date: Friday, 5th September 2025 to Tuesday, 30th September 2025
King Lobengula Cultural Village – Heritage and Tourism Month Programme for September, featuring cultural showcases, heritage games, academic talks, and festive celebrations.
Programme Highlights
Date |
Event/Activity |
Description |
5 Sept (Friday) |
Opening Ceremony & Heritage Dialogue |
Keynote lecture, traditional performances, and a cultural roundtable with elders, historians, and academics. |
10 Sept (Wednesday) |
Traditional Games Day |
Youth-led day with indigenous games, storytelling, and oral traditions that promote intergenerational exchange. |
14–20 Sept |
Cultural Exhibitions & Workshops |
Daily beadwork displays, traditional dance, food heritage, language sessions, and hands-on workshops by local artisans and performers. |
21 Sept (Sunday) |
Student & Academic Engagement Day |
Exhibitions, field activities, cultural presentations, and discussions. Open call for participation from Rhodes University and other institutions. |
24 Sept (Heritage Day) |
Cultural Parade & Festival |
A festive village parade, traditional cuisine stalls, live music, dancing, and performances to honour South African heritage. |
28–30 Sept |
Closing Weekend |
Reflections, youth award ceremonies, and launch of cultural branding products celebrating local identity and enterprise. |
Ongoing Features
- Museum Tours: Guided experiences exploring the life and legacy of King Lobengula.
- Traditional Restaurant Launch: Authentic African cuisine experience.
- Accommodation Huts: Stay on-site in traditional village settings.
- Cultural Marketplace: Handcrafted goods, clothing, and cultural accessories available for purchase.
Opportunities for Rhodes University & Academic Partners
- Student-led field research and ethnographic documentation
- Internships/volunteering in cultural event support and heritage programming
- Academic guest lectures, presentations, and knowledge sharing
- Collaborative exhibitions and cultural exchange initiatives