Tshivenda master traditional dancer Solomon Makhado, better known as Mr Tango Man in traditional-dancing circles, may be disabled, but he is still capable of remarkable feats. When he steps onto the dance floor, it is hard to notice that he walks with the aid of crutches.
The 58-year-old dancer from Vuvha la Mulambilu, outside Thohoyandou, was diagnosed with post-polio syndrome, a condition that causes gradual muscle weakness and muscle atrophy (loss), affecting those who had polio earlier in life.
As a young child, Solomon walked on all fours. He spent many years receiving treatment at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital and gradually started using crutches, which helped him stand upright.
While attending Tshilidzini Special School, Solomon participated in traditional dances such as malende and tshigombela. His passion for traditional dancing was also influenced by his family, where traditional dance was a daily occurrence.
In 1993, upon his return to Vuvha from Gauteng, Solomon founded the Vuvha Traditional Dancers Group. The group consists of 20 elderly and middle-aged women who specialize in malende, tshigombela, and tshifasi dances. They practise on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at the local clinic.
“I love my culture so much that I would never trade it for anything. I will do my best to preserve it. That’s why I started this group,” he said.
Makhado further mentioned that they had performed at many prestigious events in Vhembe and Polokwane. “It pains me to see people, especially the youth, forsaking their roots. As an intervention, we will soon start training the younger generation. We won’t be here forever, so it’s up to us to prepare them. We can’t let our culture die slowly on our watch,” he added.
Those interested in joining the practice sessions can contact Makhado at (079) 829-2402.
