The clarion call made by President Jacob Zuma for the revitalization of mining towns is being taken forward by the Free State Department of Sport Arts, Culture and Recreation in partnership with the National Department of Arts and Culture. The MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Mrs Mathabo Leeto considers Arts and Culture as major contributors towards the vision of reviving mining towns, both economically and culturally.

The Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation will be presenting the Mine Dance Festival again in 2016 supported by the National Department of Arts and Culture. Mines in the Free State Province are the source of strong, diverse and rich cultural performances that educates, transfers skills and in-depth knowledge of different cultures found in the province.

The Mine Dance Festival provides a platform and opportunities for the miners to interact with the community and transfer indigenous knowledge of various cultures.

This year, the Festival will continue to present competition in various traditional dances including among others;

•     Ndlamo
•     Hupe
•     Mohobelo

Pantsula Dancers and Traditional Dancers from around Lejweleputswa District will also be invited to come and compete for cash prizes with the aim to preserve and promote intercultural exchange.

The 2016 Mine Dance Festival is planned as follows:
Venue: Zuka Baloyi Stadium (Welkom)
Date: 19 March (09h00 - 17h00), 20 March (09h00 - 15h00)
Admission: Free

“Through the Mines Cultural Dance Festival the Department aims to preserve and promote inter-cultural exchange through community development as well as providing a platform to showcase cultural talent and create space for skill transfer and development within the mines” said Free State Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation MEC N.S. Leeto.

Your media house is invited to attend the event.

Enquiries:
Mr. Tankiso Zola
Cell: 082 940 2392
Tel: 051 4104742/4786/4719
Email: tankiso@sacr.fs.gov.za