As another way of helping to preserve the Venda culture and traditions, the royal house of Makonde is busy teaching young girls how to perform traditional dances, such as domba, tshigombela, tshifasi and others.
According to the acting royal leader, Khosipfareli Vho-Nyadzeni Peter Ravhura, he decided to revive traditional dances in honour of his late father, Vhamusanda Vho-Donald Mutshinya Ravhura. "I decided to revive these dances in August last year when I was installed as the acting traditional leader, on behalf of the house of my nephew, Vhamusanda Vho-Tshinetise Ravhura.
"My father was very proud of his Venda tradition and culture. When I came in, I decided to revive these traditional dances in his honour. We started with fewer than 10 girls, but today we have more than 60 of them, from Grade R to 11," said Ravhura.
Makhadzi Thiemulwi Ravhura, with the help of other community members such as granny Madida and Muofhe, train the children every Friday and Saturday for one or two hours. They also gather on holidays and, among others, they are taught how to greet elders with respect and many other Venda practices.
Ravhura said that he wanted the group to expand and to showcase their talents in formal competitions. "My dream is to see these kids perform these dances at a level where they can be seen on television, so that the world can know that Makonde is here and existing," said Ravhura.