Building an economy

The horsemen have formed a brother ship and have an understanding of operations that remain unique to them. They have their own rules and have built micro-economies that serve them and their communities.

Although there is still a long way to go to empower the horsemen, there are some who live off horse racing. It is not only a sport but a livelihood for many.

To begin with, there is a need for skill development and training in the fields of horse care, horse feed, breeding horses and the science of horses (breeding techniques, genetic modifications species identifications etc.) Saddlery and other equipment utilised can be a good venture for the locals. It is expensive to maintain a horse in good and healthy condition, and all horsemen are selffunded. There needs to be a further investment into them as horsemen and jockeys.

Mbuyiseni remarked that more support is needed for them, in order to strengthen the local economy.

3.

Community building agent

Umtelebhelo Heritage Cup has community building and empowerment at heart. It is deliberate in empowering the small cultural groups, the programme on the day was full of up-and-coming artists. The event was freetoenter,whichmeantthatanyonewith a wish, would be accepted to come and enjoytheday'sproceedings.

The disadvantaged communities were transported, reimbursed and catered for, for the duration of the event. Over four hundred peoplehadbeenbookedaccommodationin andaroundPietermaritzburg,thisbooststhe local economy of Pietermaritzburg and businesses. Empowerment was at the core, one race commentator from ukhozi FM and the second one was an ordinary horse man whogainednewexperienceandinsightinto races. Entertainment was all local groups and local radio stations and maskhandi artists.Keepingitlocalandauthentic.

What is always special is allowing people to experiencethecityforthefirsttime, “youcan imagine a young horseman from deep rural KZNenjoyingthecitylifeforthefirsttimeina hotel,withcateredfoodandasoftlife.

That becomes a life long memory and a dream come true for many” remarks Mbuyiseni. Even without the experience of winning the race and the prize money, they can gain in other ways. With more funding, they are willing to do even more in the comingyears.

Heritage Meets Fashion

Umtelebhelo horse racing strategically occurs in the month of September which is Heritage month. So people were encouraged to strut anddressinthebrightestandbiggestcultural outfits. The theme was African Luxe, and people made sure to honour this with their own interpretations. A beautiful and multicolouredeventwithexpressivecolours. We saw beaded crowns, embroidered gowns and of course amabheshu nezicholo. SeSotho regalia, draped in large blankets and the thick stripes and imibhaco from amaXhosa. It was a beautiful display of culture and what Africa looks like. Dancing. Exoticcuisines.Anationbuildingevent.

Ambassador of the event and former Minister ofHealth,DrZweliMkhizestatedthat“Itisisan African Affair. We have representation from Lesotho, Eastern Cape and Southern Africa at large. This is a unifying event, as known that previously these areas were divided and today wecelebratetheloveofhorseracingtoday” . Wemustcontinuetocelebrate,theitemsof traditionalwear. ”WereDrMkhize’ssentiments ontheheritagecup.Wehopethatthisevent willbemoreattractiveinthefutureandwill bringmorepeopleinvested,thiswillincrease thetourismandjobcreationfactor.

Heritageis importantand crucialforour things

“Heritage is important and crucial for our things. Heritage determines how we live, how we think and whatweeat.Itanswersthequestion,whoweare.Weneedtofindtheunityandstrengthsin canpropeleachotherforward.

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