Benguela - The former director of the Provincial Office of Culture, Sports, Hotels and Tourism of Benguela, Cristóvão Mário Kagibanga, died Tuesday in Benguela General Hospital, victim of illness after receiving medical treatment for more than two weeks, Angop has learnt from family members.
According to the dancer and choreographer of the group Bismas das Acacias, Deolinda Trindade, Angolan culture and Benguela province, in particular, have become poorer.
"He was a true booster of the cultural movement in Benguela and founder of the groups Bismas of Acacias and carnival group Bloco Amarelo," Deolinda Trindade said.
Reacting to the death of Mário Kajibanga, the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Environment, Jomo Fortunato, in a condolence note expressed deep sorrow and sympathy to the family.
"Originally from eastern Angola, he moved to Benguela 44 years ago and had his traditional initiation in educational environments of cultural crossings, with emphasis on the Luba, Lunda and Tchokwe cultures," reads the note.
The note adds that Mário Kajibanga initiated cultural politics in 1986, having founded the dance group "Os Bismas das Acácias", winner of the National Culture and Arts Award, in 2006.
The note also refers that the deceased was one of the founders of the Dombe Grande Teachers Training School and KAT, a project that includes a college and a publishing house.
"In the position of provincial director of Culture in Benguela, he developed intense research work and promotion of endogenous culture," the document highlights.
The Provincial Government of Benguela and the Dj's Nucleus of this province also sent condolences to his family, colleagues and friends.
