Hundreds of residents from around Vhembe and outside the district gathered at Matsila kraal on Saturday, 8 April, for the annual Matsila Day celebration.

Traditional dancers from Vatsonga and Vhavenda cultural groups entertained guests during the event. The event was also graced by dignitaries such as Prof Luka David Mosoma, chairperson of the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Rights Commission (CRLRC), businessman Mike Nkuna, Thovhele Vho-Mailausumbwa Midiyavhathu Tshivhase and many Vatsonga and Vhavenda traditional leaders.

Vhamusanda Vho-Livhuwani Matsila said in his welcoming speech that no heritage would exist if parents did not become responsible and take charge of their children’s lives.

“Our country is rotten to the core; youths roam the streets aimlessly and engage in unbecoming activities. We have the responsibility as parents to restore what is being taken away from our children by teaching them traditional dances and our culture, which is fast fading away,” he said. Matsila added that need existed for cultural schools as they would teach the young ones their roots and their identity. He said each of the royal council meetings would also focus on the building of a cultural school.

Thovhele Vho-Tshivhase spoke about the importance of culture and how the royal youths should conduct themselves in their daily lives. He said the day would remain an integral part of the Vhavenda nation and that it would be celebrated forever.

“The Vhavenda nation is not a lost nation. This is the reason why we give ourselves time to come and gather here. We are now urging parents to allow their children to attend such events, where they will learn more about their culture,” he said. Tshivhase urged traditional leaders to be united in the preservation of culture. He encouraged families to teach their young ones the history of the Vhavenda people, where they came from and where they were heading, so that this would not be forgotten. He emphasised the importance of special cultural days.

“Other nations have their special days to celebrate their culture. We cannot be left behind, and we will continue to be in the forefront of cultural revival,” he said. Tshivhase commended Matsila for coming up with the initiative of reviving culture through traditional dances.