To strengthen relationships between the Tshivhase dynasty, Cuba and Venezuela in agricultural trade, health, and economy, six delegates from Cuba and Venezuela visited Mukumbani village in Luaname on Friday, 21 April.
The Tshivhase dynasty, under Thovhele Kennedy Tshivhase, warmly welcomed their guests, which included the Cuban ambassador, Enrique Orta, and Venezuela's ambassador, Mairin Moreno.
Tshivhase said that they had invited the ambassadors as they shared common ideas as communists. "My forefather, Thovhele Phiriphiri Tshivhase, was a true communist, so Cuba and Venezuela shared their ideas with the Tshivhase dynasty. We are hopeful that their visit to us will help to strengthen our political ideology. We have also invited some aspiring businessmen around the Tshivhase dynasty to come and listen how the two countries can help them," he said.
One of the well-known businessmen in Thohoyandou, Mr Aubrey Mulaudzi, who was also elected to lead the interim Tshivhase Business Forum, was excited about the visit by the Cuban and Venezuelan delegates, hoping that they will now have a better chance to interact with the foreign countries.
Aspiring businessmen around the Tshivhase dynasty were invited to compile a list with their names and their respective business interests to promote twinning economic viability with Cuba and Venezuela.
Venezuelan ambassador Ms Mairin Moreno said the reason for their visit to Limpopo was to see how this province could be a preferred tourism destination as it had tourist treasures such as the Big Five and a rich, diverse cultural background.
Prior to the delegates' visit, they first met with Limpopo Premier Mr Chupu Mathabatha and the MEC for Health, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, in Polokwane on Thursday, 20 April, followed by a visit to the University of Venda and surrounding community in Thohoyandou.
Mathabatha said the visit aimed to nurture relations with long-time friends and countries that had supported Limpopo throughout the years. He said he believed the continued interaction would have long-term effects on the economic outlook and social welfare of Limpopo.