Heritage Empowerment: Embracing Cultural Values For Brighter Future For Girls

We catch up with Nkanyezi Ntanda, a young woman who is the founder and Leader of UKukhanya Kwezintombi cultural group, which operates under the guidance of Gogo MaNtanda. Nkanyezi is also a young entrepreneur who founded NyeziArtworks. 

Ukukhanya Kwezintombi Cultural group was established to teach the young girls about abstinence.  Nkanyezi explained that their vision is to remove young girls from the streets and empower them to take control of their bodies, thereby preventing teenage pregnancy. They further educate them to respect their bodies and view them as the Temple of the Heavenly Divine. 

The Maidens are taught to embrace their culture by learning indigenous song and dance. This dance also serves as a health fitness to them. Additionally, they receive intensive education on empowerment, focusing on abstinence, financial independence, formal education, accountability and responsibility about their lives. These empowerment programmes aimed at lessening teenage pregnancy. Moreover, the cultural group seeks to promote and preserve African culture, customs and heritage,  as many of these traditions are slowly fading in South Africa.

Nkanyezi emphasises that the Ukukhanya Kwezintombi Cultural group aims to teach the Maidens that marriage is not the ultimate achievement, but rather their formal education is the true trophy in their lives. “We encourage the maidens to strive for at least three University degrees, establish stable careers, and travel the world to enjoy the fruits of their labours before considering marriage” Nkanyezi stresses that Ukukhanya Kwezintombi Cultural Group teaches the Maidens to be financial independent, to be responsible for their success, and never rely solely on man for financial stability. 

Nkanyezi is appealing to the donors to support the maidens with essential resources, including School Uniforms, winter tracksuits, transportation to camps and food sponsorship for their trips. 

Ukukhanya Kwezintombi Cultural Group relies on event bookings to raise funds. They are available to  perform at weddings, birthday parties, graduation ceremonies and baby showers. By supporting and booking them, will be directly contributing to an empowerment of the young Girls. 

• Bookings Contacts:  0721228018 Or WhatsApp 0604664866 
• Fee: R1000 (excluding transport)
• Facebook page: @Ukukhanya Kwezintombi