Motseng Cultural Village: a place in the sun

An Ndebele decorated hut in the village.

An Ndebele warrior armed with spear and dressed in traditional gear.
(Images: Motseng Cultural Village)

MEDIA CONTACTS
• Renette Smit
  Marketing Manager, Motseng Cultural Village
  +27 14 552 5080.

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To experience the cultures of the eight indigenous groups in South Africa, a visit to Motseng Cultural Village in North West province is a must-do. It is a true South African experience that preserves African culture through showcasing and paying tribute to the country’s indigenous cultural groups.

Within the cultural village, different peoples share their customs through song, dance, poetry, praise singers and narrators. The Motseng village boma is a traditional gathering place where elders meet to discuss community interests and is also used for cultural evenings and conferences.

A visit to the local sangoma, or diviner, offers private readings and discussions about the future and guests are also treated to traditional dancing and guided tours daily from 10:30 to 16:30.

Local flavour, old and new

The local Motseng shebeen (bar) serves South African cuisine and umqombothi, a traditional beer made from maize, maize malt, sorghum, yeast and water. Patrons can enjoy the sounds of contemporary music, jazz, and kwaito – a uniquely South African genre featuring a mix of jazz, township sounds and international influences like house music. The lyrics are written in indigenous languages, taking their cue from African praise poetry. The vibey shebeen also hosts pantsula dancers and a disk jockey (DJ) on weekends.

The latest addition to Motseng is the Dube Shack, which offers an authentic taste of 1960s township life. Visitors can treat themselves to a South African chisa nyama, the buy and braai practice which started in South African townships; enjoy a meal around an open fire, and play traditional board games.

The Motseng curio shop sells African-designed arts and artefacts made by local crafters and guests who buy Jembe drums receive a drumming lesson to make the most of their purchase.

The Motseng Cultural Village was officially opened in January 2004, for local and international tourist to experience and enjoy South Africa’s unique cultural diversity. The village has employed locals, improving lives in the area.

The village is a living cultural destination housed within entertainment resort Sun City.

Sun City

Sun City offers visitors a number of attractions including the Butterfly Sanctuary, a land-bound beach – the Valley of Waves – and a Gary Player Golf course. Visitors can choose from four hotels or enjoy short stays attending events at the resort.

The nearby malaria-free Pilanesberg Game Reserve is a two-hour drive from Johannesburg and offers spectacular mountain views, hot air balloon safaris and guided wildlife encounters.