BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE – “I want to be an optometrist and a professional ballet dancer when I grow up.”
These words were echoed by ballet dancer and silver medallist Ndoniyamanzi Luhlanga (11) today. This was at the Private and Cabinet Offices, where she was honoured for her achievement by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, who presented her with a replica cheque for E75 000. The PM then personally added E5 000 in his personal capacity, which added up to E80 000.
In attendance were Minister of Sports Culture, and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima, CEO of Sports and Recreation Council Darius Dlomo, Director of Talent ‘n’ Motion Academy, Velile Dube, who is also a choreographer and teacher, Luhlanga’s parents, Temalangeni Dlamini, Bongani Bongumenzi Fakudze, their Pastor SEN Nkambule of Gospel and Peace in Matsapha, and relatives.
Luhlanga shared that she is in Grade 6 at Bahai Primary School. She said, “My favourite teacher is Mr. Shabangu, who teaches mathematics, which is my favourite subject. He also teaches Health and Physical Education and Religious Education.”
She also shared with this publication that she is excited to be returning to school tomorrow, where she will see her friends.
Luhlanga arrived back in the country yesterday evening after competing at the Dance World Cup in Prague. Ndoni scored 90 per cent and got a silver medal in the Street Dancing category. The competition was held at the Prague Congress Centre in the Czech Republic. It kicked off last Friday. It will wrap up on Saturday (June 28–6, 2024.)
It is worth mentioning that 37 judges from all over the world are in the judging panel at the Dance World Cup finals. About 9500 dancers are taking part in the biggest dance competition in the world!
Luhlanga successfully made history by being the first LiSwati to qualify for the finals and compete in the Dance World Cup finals. She successfully made it through to the finals at the Dance World Cup qualifiers, which were held in South Africa’s Centurion, Pretoria, in April.
Luhlanga started ballet at Talent ‘n’ Motion Academy in 2017 at age 4 and has won gold at numerous dance competitions, including a win at the South African Ballet Competition in Cape Town in July 2022.
