24/05/2026
TIME TO SAY GOODBYE...
On the 1st of January 2013, it was my first time at Utjane Dam. Before then I would see it from a distance while driving past Sebora. We were there to braai meat and chill as a group of guys. As we were sitting there, I pictured those scenes of Ibiza concerts at beaches. I imagined a huge crowd gathered at Utjane Dam taking pictures, playing with water while enjoying the music. I called my nephew to the side and said to him "Just imagine people packed here with good music playing" He immediately nodded in agreement. I then said to him "Maybe we must create a poster and arrange something for easter. With no experience and budget, I later created a poster. The only thing I had was my bakkie and a gazebo. The picture below was the very first setup of Utjane Dam Annual Picnic. We looked for a generator and sound system, connected and music started playing. We saw people coming one by one with pictures and videos posted on social media intriguing more people to join. In a couple of hours we saw the crowd increasing, it was very nice to witness the development. The smiles and compliments from attendees said it all that something like that was long overdue in the village.
When it was becoming dark, there was a question of whether we should pack and go home or stay. people were having fun, they refused to leave, they even shouted "we will use our cars for lights, we will contribute if you need money for generator fuel" we decided to continue and cars made a circle to create enough light. At this point my brain was already thinking "what next?" "Do you formalise this?" lots of things running in my head about the next step. From the excitement I saw, it was obvious that I had to take it forward. After easter, people demanded that we do another one in December and I said yes. From 2014 onwards, it was bad experience after another. For those who have been with UDP since the beginning know the challenges I faced. When I recall, we actually had more challenges than success from 2014 onwards. If there is one thing that taught me to develop a thick skin, it was this event.
To the VOLUNTEERS who stuck with me throughout, THANK YOU VERY MUCH! You know what I went through but you never left me. From gathering equipment at home, collections at Talisman in town, collections at local suppliers, cleaning the trash after the event. etc. You were part of it all. INDIVIDUALS and BUSINESS who opened the doors when I knocked asking for help, THANK YOU! I remember going to Mashashane Filling Station in 2013 to buy fuel for the generator and I was told not to worry about the payment. INDIVIDUALS who came and freely offered their skills, knowledge and equipment, I see you! Deejays who said "Don't worry buti, o tla mpona mohlang o le shap!"
A day before the 2018 event, King Monada cancelled his performance. I never forget that moment because everyone was looking forward to his performance. We were busy preparing and a whatsapp came in with bad news. My heart sank. Very confused and panicking, we paused to discuss the bad news, the big question was "do we continue?" We even panicked that we were gonna be accused of fake marketing. Time was running out, we had to act. A suggestion to post screenshots and proof of payments came, we all agreed to post. The dominating comment was "UDP a se ya Monada, we are coming to have fun with or without him!" We got comforted and immediately instructed Borwa Music to continue erecting the stage. It became the most successful UDP event.
After the covid 19 break, my cousin suggested we do an event at Matena resort. The idea made sense because the resort is closer, there's a tar road and a built structure compared to UDP where we had to transport even tea spoons. In 2022 we had the first Mashashane Home Coming and it was a success. There was a big relief from carrying all those big lights transporting them all the way to the dam.
Today is the day I say GOODBYE to event hosting. Today is the day I say GOODBYE to all you UNDYING FANS! Today is the day I say GOODBYE to you VOLUNTEERS who have been with me tot! tot! Today is the day I say GOODBYE to all the DEEAJAYS and ARTISTS who blessed us with good music Today is the day I hand over the baton. I have ran the race and I believe it is time for me to get off the track.
Please continue to support Mashashane Home Coming. Continue to support Mashashane Christmas Chillas and all other events and talent at home, they are a transformation to our village.
Thank you!
Bareng Madubanya (Mujameli we Tithughwa)
