Rotondwa crowned as the new Miss Indoni SA

The chairperson of Indoni SA My Heritage, My Pride in the Venda kingdom, Ms Shonisani Mutengwe, extended congratulations to Rotondwa Mudzanani from Tshitanini village in the Vhembe District for winning the Indoni Miss Cultural South Africa 2023 title. The competition took place at the Richmond Indoni village in Durban on 16 December as part of the Indoni Cultural Festival, under the theme: My Heritage, My Pride.

Mutengwe applauded Rotondwa's achievement, highlighting her obedience to mentors in promoting heritage and culture. She conveyed these sentiments during Rotondwa's welcoming ceremony upon her return home to Tshitanini village, outside Thohoyandou.

According to Mutengwe, Indoni SA My Heritage My Pride imparts cultural knowledge to young girls and boys, emphasising traditional ways of life, survival techniques of forefathers, and the preparation of traditional foods such as vhuswa ha mikonde, mashonzha (mopani worms), and zwigwada. The programme also addresses the dangers of alcohol abuse and the negative consequences of teenage pregnancy for young girls.

She further explained that their initiatives include visits to traditional leaders, where young individuals learn about traditional practices, such as past marriage customs, the installation of traditional leaders, the qualifications for selection before installation, and the principles of succession in Vhavenda traditional leadership.

Rotondwa (18) expressed her excitement at winning the title of Miss Indoni Cultural SA, representing not only Limpopo Province but the entire South Africa. Coming from a royal family, she emphasised being taught the spirit of ubuntu from an early age. During the competition, she demonstrated this spirit and resilience to the judges and other contestants, showcasing respect for elders and people of all ages or status, including the traditional bow in greeting.

Rotondwa, a Grade 12 learner at Mbilwi Secondary School near Sibasa, received a bursary voucher worth R10,000, which she plans to use for educational materials.

Date:13 January 2024

By: Silas Nduvheni

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