The Vatsonga community gathered in large numbers at the Bungeni Stadium on Saturday, 20 August, to celebrate Bungeni Day in style.

The people attending, mostly dressed in their Vatsonga traditional regalia, sang traditional songs during the event. Traditional dance groups performing the xibelani, mchongolo, xigubu and makwaya fought for supremacy before their huge audience, which included traditional leaders.

Among the guests were Vhembe Executive Mayor Dowelani Nenguda, Minister in the Presidency Thembi Siweya, MEC for CoGHSTA Basikopo Makamu, chairperson of the Limpopo Provincial House of Traditional Leaders Hosi Pheni Ngobe and the mayor of the Collins Chabane Municipality, Shadrack Maluleke.

In her address, Siweya talked about how the roles of traditional leaders had changed. “Gone are the days when traditional leaders made important decisions without consulting the masses. Traditional leadership was created by God, and it is important to build a united nation before Him,” he said.

Hosi Ngove urged traditional leaders to be united in the preservation of culture. He encouraged families to teach their young ones the history of the Tsonga people, where they came from and where they are heading, so that it will 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.

During the event, Hosi Given Bungeni said the traditional leaders were serious about restoring culture and indigenous knowledge. He commended the community for coming up with the initiative of reviving culture through traditional dances.