One of the oldest living Tshivenda authors, Ms Ndivhudzannyi Emelinah Sigogo, is encouraging young people to start writing books in their own language and has urged them to learn from older and more experienced writers while the latter are still alive.

Sigogo (75), a retired teacher from the rural village of Ngwenani Hathemeli, just outside Thohoyandou, was honoured by the Limpopo Department of Sport, Arts and Culture on Thursday, 22 August, with a special award.

The Women in Writing celebration was held at the Christian Fellowship Centre and was attended by local traditional leaders, academics, Tshivenda authors, and the Thulamela mayor, Athongozwidivha Sarah Rambuda. “We encourage learners from schools around to work hard and take education seriously, so that small rural villages like Ngwenani Hathemeli could be the centre of excellence, producing the best Tshivenda book writers,” said Sigogo.

Sigogo, who was a learner at Tshivhase Secondary in the 1960s, recalled being inspired by renowned authors such as the late Titus Ntsieni Maumela, Ethian Silas Madima, and Asnath Khuba.

In November 2022, Sigogo was honoured with the Golden Shield Heritage Award by the South African National Heritage Council.

The acting director of language services in the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Tshifhiwa Netshifhefhe, said Sigogo was one of the pioneers of Tshivenda writing and had contributed significantly to the development of the Tshivenda language. He also praised her for helping to preserve the Vhavenda culture and teaching the younger generation to respect their elders.

Another speaker at the event, Vhamusanda Mutulagole Nyamande, announced plans to develop a museum in the area where Sigogo’s Tshivenda books will be displayed. He also mentioned that the street leading to her home in Ngwenani Hathemeli will be named after her as a tribute to her work.