Imbongi returns to usher President Ramaphosa at the #SONA of 2019

CAPE TOWN: Following an announcement by the Speaker of the National Assembly that Imbongi (Traditional Praise Poet) will not be ushering President Cyril Ramaphosa to the podium during the State of the Nation Address, The National Heritage Council wrote a letter to the Speaker, Ms Thandi Modise, to appeal for the Imbongi to stay on the programme of the day.

On Thursday, Modise mentioned in her media interviews that the decision to remove Imbongi from the programme was reversed. 

The SONA of the 6th term of the democratic Republic of South Africa is taking place today (Thursday), and the Youth of South Africa has expressed on various Social Media Platforms their plea for jobs as the country is facing a crisis of unemployment of more than 26,6% dating from the year 2016.

In a press statement The National Heritage Council wish to thank the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa and the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thandi Modise, for the reconsideration of retaining the Imbongi to usher President Cyril Ramaphosa when he delivers his State of the Nation Address today (Thursday).

“In our letter to Parliament, we expressed our feeling as custodians of the country’s heritage that allowing Iimbongi of different languages a SONA stage, on a rotational basis, will stand the country in good stead of promoting the idiosyncrasies of our languages and cultures for the young to take pride in their unique African identity amidst the neo-colonial degradations they have to contend with on a daily basis. We are happy that Parliament could listen to our plea and that of the people of this country.” Says Adv. Sonwabile Mancotywa, the CEO of the NHC.

The NHC also thanks the public and culture activists who raised their concerns and shared their views regarding this matter.

Additional Reporting by Buchule Raba - editor@goxtranews.com 

Tweet us @GoXtraNews or simply send an email to our Managing Editor Buchule Raba editor@goxtranews.com for any coverage related issues or event invites. You can also Tweet @BuchuleB