Vhomakhadzi still keeping Tshivenda culture alive

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Traditional and cultural activist Vhomakhadzi Tshinakaho Mulaudzi grew up at the Madonsi Mission Station, where all things cultural were regarded as heathenistic. When, later in her life, she wore traditional Venda attire (minwenda) during a function, her father, who had always been against such attire, hardly recognised her and congratulated his daughter. That was to change her life, and her passion for culture grew stronger.

Mulaudzi, who is originally from Hamasakona but now lives in Vuwani, was a former nurse at the Department of Health. Her love of promoting her culture and traditions is what earned her the nickname “Vhomakhadzi”. Whenever a function was held and dignitaries were to be introduced, she would always be the first choice as everyone knew she would bow in respect of the guest. No one was surprised when, in 2019, she founded a cultural group, called Milongani Ya Vhutshilo na Sialala, at Hamasakona.

“Culture has been my passion from early years, and I have practiced this for as long as I can remember. Through my own observations, I have come to realise that there is too much moral decay in society. Girls are no longer the girls we knew during our time. The young girls of today lack respect for their parents and the elderly. They no longer greet when they meet a person. If they do, it is without the proper respect that used to be shown by kneeling,” she said.

Mulaudzi said they started with more than 100 girls up to the age of 18. “Then Covid struck, and we could not meet for a long time. It was only after everything went back to normal that we regrouped, but this time in a much smaller number. But we are continuing where we left off and our aim is to teach girls the Tshivenda culture and traditions. We teach them about respect, traditional dances, and traditional foods. The girls love it, and the parents can see a distinctive behavioural change in their children. It surprises them to see their girls kneeling whenever they speak to them. The parents are very excited about the work we are doing. We will not watch the Tshivenda culture die. We will soon be hitting the road to do live performances while the schools are closed,” said Mulaudzi.

Those who wish to join the group can contact Mulaudzi on 072 015 6017 or 076 906 1845.

By: Elmon Tshikhudo

Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019.