Popular Tshivenda cultural group Ro Takuwa Nayo Sialala is determined to pass on their ancestral talents from generation to generation. The group, comprising more than 50 members from the rural Luvhimbi village and formed many years ago by the village elders, recently won a cultural competition held at Masisi in the Musina area. As part of their outreach programme, they gave a splendid performance in Thohoyandou over the weekend.

In an interview with Limpopo Mirror, group leader Reverend Mukoma Mukwevho criticised the notion that issues of culture are associated with heathens. “Our people were misled by the missionaries who brought Christianity to this part of the world,” he said. “These people established mission stations all over and divided our people. Those who practised culture were not welcomed at the mission stations as they were considered ‘heathens.’ This painful past must be done away with once and for all. It makes the Vhavenda nation look inferior compared to other ethnic groups. Other ethnic groups are proud of their cultures, so who are we to abandon our culture and customs for the sake of Christianity? I am a pastor myself, but I will never forsake my culture. The Muvenda in me will never be taken away by anybody. I was a Muvenda before I became a pastor,” he said.

Mukwevho further pointed out that cultural dances such as tshigombela, malende, tshikona, matangwa, and tshifasi are being taught to the young and old in the village. “We do not even know when the group was formed. It was there when we were born. We took over from the elders and are passing on the skills to the young ones. Our culture and customs will not end, and what is surprising is that the same people who despised us are the ones ululating when we perform today. Traditional dances are here to stay. They entertain, teach morals, and are a form of respect. We urge parents and children to join traditional-dance practices,” Mukwevho said.

Those interested in joining can contact Reverend Mukwevho at 072 116 9716.