The Tshivhase Kingdom was cloaked in a festive shroud for three whole days as communities gathered to celebrate Tshivhase Day, which was combined with Mailausumbwa Kennedy Tshivhase's 60th birthday.
The celebrations kicked off with a gala dinner for selected guests, held at the Kalahari Waterfront at Nandoni Dam, on Friday, 7 October, where those who contributed to the dawn of democracy were honoured with the esteemed Rasimphi Award.
On Saturday (8 October), the feasting continued at the Prince Thikhathali Stadium in Tshikombani, where the whole Tshivhase community came together. Different cultural and music groups entertained the guests, and Mailausumbwa Tshivhase stole the show again with his expert tshikona dance moves. Instead of receiving gifts from his subjects, Tshivhase donated ten wheelchairs to disabled community members.
On Sunday (9 October), a big church service for all churches under the umbrella of The Cross and The Crown was held at the Tshivhase Nature Reserve at Thathe Vondo. The highlight of the service was a special prayer done for Tshivhase and all the Grade 12 learners who are to start with their examinations.
Addressing the guests, Tshivhase urged all stakeholders in his area to be united in the fight against crime and other community ills. "Let us work together for peace in this area. Let us help our youth, who are overwhelmed by drugs and other social ills. Traditional leaders, the church and all other stakeholders should lead this campaign, and there shall be peace and prosperity in our area," he said.
The celebrations were also attended by government officials, traditional leaders, the chairperson of the Vhembe ANC region, the Tshivhase Traditional Council, Contralesa business fraternity, faith-based leaders and the provincial leadership of the ANC.