By our staff reporter
Since its inception 40 years ago, the Maelula Traditional Dance Group has kept the flames of the Vhavenda heritage alive. The weekend of 21 September was no exception during the group's 40th anniversary celebrations.
Despite the cold weather, residents of the ever-green Maelula village came in numbers to the Maelula Council Hall to celebrate Maelula Tshifhire Day and enjoy the traditional songs and dances performed live by the Maelula Traditional Dance Group.
Although it was formally registered only in May 2023, the group has existed since 1984. The 25-member group, mostly women aged between 50 and 88, has contributed immensely to the preservation, promotion, and celebration of South Africa's vibrant cultural diversity.
"The motivation behind our group was simple: preserving our heritage," says group manager Mr Roviko Mukhondo. "Our performances are not just for entertainment; they are a way of telling the stories of our ancestors and keeping our traditions alive," he added.
The group has grown in popularity, thanks to its self-taught choreography and powerful performances. Over the years, they have performed at various cultural and corporate events.
"We want to take our art beyond borders, to show the world the beauty of the Tshivenda culture. Our goal is to see the Maelula Traditional Dance Group NPC thrive globally while remaining rooted in our community," said Mukhondo.