Spreading Vhavenda culture in Tshwane

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In an effort to spread the Vhavenda culture and bring together different nationalities, Venda men living in the Tshwane area have come together to form a tshikona dance group. Started in 2017 by Pastor Chris Mamedzi, the group is becoming one of the biggest cultural entertainers in the city of Tshwane. The group is also recruiting men from other cultural backgrounds to be part of their social-cohesion programme.

The young pastor had a dream that started with only five members but has since grown by leaps and bounds and now boasts more than 40 members from different nationalities. They practise in church, believing this is a better option for young men than frequenting taverns and roaming the streets aimlessly with nothing to do.

Pastor Mamedzi said he grew up in the villages where the tshikona dance was one of the popular forms of entertainment during functions. “As a pastor now based in Tshwane, I felt I should do something to revive our culture here in the city. The first idea that came to mind was to bring the tshikona dance to the city,” he explained.

His idea was supported by a couple of other young men. They bought the tshikona instruments (dzinanga), and fortunately, Dr William Madzinge of the CWC gave them a main drum. The group started practising regularly in 2023.

“We are a multicultural group, and we are following the teachings of the Bible that say we should beat the drums and play the different instruments to express our joy. This is no longer just a dance group; we are like a family. When we meet, we have network sessions where men speak freely about the challenges and achievements in their lives,” Mamedzi said.

Some of the members were unemployed when they first came together, but through the networking the group members do, they are now employed at different companies.

“This is also helping to revive our culture. When people are far away from their roots, they tend to forget them. We will stop at nothing but continue preserving our culture," Mamedzi said.

Those wishing to join the group can do so by contacting Mamedzi at 072-2398750.

By: Elmon Tshikhudo

Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019. He currently writes on a freelance basis, covering human rights issues, court news and entertainment.