GA-PHAAHLA – The RasTafari Social Cohesion Culture Project (RSCC), initiated by Baba Lord I ka Gagazi, a Rastafari cultural practitioner, poet, crafter and leader in the RasTafari community, was hosted at Ga-Phaahla Community Hall on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
The event was a celebration of 30 years of democracy in South Africa and a tribute to the country’s cultural diversity through music, craft and food. It brought together cultural groups and practitioners from the Pedi, Ndebele, Khoesan, Tsonga, and Rastafari communities, who shared their ways of life and encouraged attendees to embrace cultural diversity and promote tolerance as South Africans.
The event exceeded expectations. Relevant invited stakeholders honoured their invitations, and both craft and literature exhibitors managed to showcase their work and educate the audience.
The planned activities and milestones were successfully achieved. Cultural groups who participated in the intellectual property rights and copyright capacity building session received certificates for attending and registering with SAMRO. This will help them gain recognition, protect their work from exploitation, and grow their revenue and presence in the industry.
Cultural practitioners and individuals contributing to the preservation and continued practice of culture were also honoured with certificates and vouchers. Among those recognised were Sarah Sebola from Rutang Bana Matlhale, Mama Skosana from Sozama Beadwork NPO, Mnz M Mtsweni from Isiyalo Writers Guild NPO, Zheheven from Na, and Baba IM Ndala, a former Cultural Officer at provincial government at the Department of Culture, Sport, and Recreation in kwaMhlanga.
Baba Lord I ka Gagazi facilitated a session on awareness and education around the history of the Rastafari way of life, the leadership of Haile Selassie I, and the cultural connections shared between the various groups represented.
Cultural performances by groups such as Amadlaza na Marhasa, Bongwe ka Marhoboli, UJali naMadodana, Iinyamazane, Rutang Bana Matlhale and the Ratanang Pedi Dance Group enriched the event. True to Rastafari tradition, food served was strictly Ital – free from salt, meat, sugar, preservatives and alcohol.
“Our country has achieved a lot in the 30 years since the dawn of democracy, although it comes with its challenges. Baba Lord I saw the need to celebrate the role culture has played in maintaining social cohesion and creating new songs that celebrate and reflect on the ongoing challenges faced by indigenous communities,” said Sista Molebogeng, the project manager. “The event seemed the perfect platform to remind the nation about the importance of social cohesion through culture.”
She added that they hope to make it an annual event, depending on funding and support. “We’re grateful to the National Arts Council, PESP 5, and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture for supporting this project. It created over 80 jobs, promoted audience development for cultural performers, and provided market access opportunities for local crafters and exhibitors.”
Lizzy Phumzile Mahlangu, one of the exhibitors, expressed her gratitude. “Even though I didn’t make much in sales, I gained exposure to other sellers and different people.” Mahlangu’s NaMabona Beads was established in 2003 and continues to grow.
“I didn’t sell much, but I gained exposure. Now, those who didn’t know about NaMabona Beads do – and some even took my contact details,” she said.
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