Vhavenda King Toni Mphephu Ramabulana addressed the Vhuthu youth non-profit organisation at the Mphephu Royal Kraal a fortnight ago and told them about the importance of the youth's participation in their own cultural activities.

Mphephu told the members that it is the unified understanding of cultures that will promote nation building. He added that the unity enjoyed by empires of the world was built on the strength of their cultures. He said the traditional leaders were serious about restoring culture and indigenous knowledge. He added that there was a need to teach young children about the value of culture and the importance of restoring it. “Culture and tradition are the foundations on which the prosperity for each nation starts. It is important to continue with initiatives of this nature for the sake of our children. A nation that does not respect its culture is doomed and does not have any direction,” he said.

Mphephu said that they wanted to encourage people to eat food prepared with fresh ingredients. He added that the communities must be proud of their culture and customs and not “be copycats of other people's cultures. We must learn to love and appreciate our history, tradition and morality, because this is the basis on which a strong nation develops. Our indigenous languages should also be preserved for the benefit of the young generation and the community at large,” said Mphephu.