Zim GBC News | Harare Correspondent
NORTON – More than 300 sets of twins converged in Norton on Saturday for a vibrant cultural exchange that brought together siblings from Zimbabwe and South Africa in a celebration of duality, tradition, and shared experiences .
The landmark event, coordinated by Rebecca Mukwaira, saw participants led by the Katonha twins, Farai and Tendai, who are the founders of the Twins Association of Zimbabwe (TAZI). Among the distinguished guests were three sets of twins who travelled from South Africa, marking a significant milestone in cross-border twin community relations .
South African Twins Make Historic Journey
The Masetlwa twins, Keabetswe and Onkabetse, aged 25, and Kefilwenyana and Kefilwe Lovedelia Magano, aged 39, made the journey along with the founders of the South Africa Twins Organisation (SATO), Thandeka and Thandiwe Ndenza.
Speaking at the event, the Masetlwa twins expressed their excitement at visiting Zimbabwe for the first time.
“This is our first trip outside South Africa since birth,” said the Masetlwa twins.
“We are grateful to the Katonha twins for their leadership in fostering connections across the continent. Zimbabwe’s traditional dishes, dances and peaceful atmosphere have truly left a mark on us” .
The South African visitors were treated to a feast of traditional foods at the Baradzanwa Cultural Village in Mashonaland Central, where they experienced the rich culinary heritage of Zimbabwe .
Building Bridges Across Borders
The Katonha twins highlighted the positive impact of the South African twins’ visit, emphasizing the value of cross-cultural collaboration in addressing common challenges faced by twins and their families.
“Sometimes, challenges are better addressed through fresh perspectives,” they noted.
“The visitors engaged with the Norton twins and their families, encouraging them to pursue self-help projects and develop platforms for empowerment” .
The exchange provided an opportunity for twins from both countries to share experiences, discuss common challenges, and explore potential solutions through collective action and mutual support .
Housing Challenges for Families of Multiples
One pressing issue that emerged during the gathering was the challenge faced by parents of multiple births in finding suitable accommodation. Blessing Mavhungu, a mother of triplets and three additional children, narrated her struggles with prospective landlords.
“I often face rejection due to the number of children I have,” Mavhungu shared.
“Landlords typically inquire about marital status and family size before considering tenants” .
Her story resonated with many parents in attendance who have faced similar discrimination when seeking rental accommodation, highlighting a need for greater awareness and policy intervention to protect families with multiple children .
Health Concerns Highlighted
Cecilia Magombo, who has five children including twins Jayden and Shamaine Katanha, aged 5, shared her family’s health challenges.
Jayden has a heart problem which has forced him out of school, while his twin sister is doing Early Childhood Development (ECD) .
The disparity in the twins’ educational circumstances due to health issues underscored the need for greater support systems for families raising children with special medical needs .
Cultural Immersion
The event featured traditional dances, music, and cultural performances that allowed the South African visitors to immerse themselves in Zimbabwean traditions. The exchange fostered a spirit of unity and shared identity among twins from both nations .
The South African twins departed from Zimbabwe yesterday, having spent several days engaging with their Zimbabwean counterparts and experiencing the country’s cultural heritage .
The successful gathering has laid the groundwork for future collaborations between TAZI and SATO, with plans underway for return visits and ongoing exchanges aimed at strengthening the twin community across the region .
The story about twins gathering in Norton was first posted by the Herald
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