Duduzile Nyathi
Under the vibrant midday sun in Beitbridge, where the Limpopo River forms the border with South Africa, the rich cultural tapestry of the Venda people comes alive.
The Venda trace their lineage back to the ancient Mapungubwe Kingdom, established around the 10th century in what is now South Africa’s Limpopo Province. Migrating north, some settled in Zimbabwe, particularly around Beitbridge and other parts of Matabeleland South. Over centuries, they’ve maintained their unique identity, language (Tshivenda), and traditions, even as they’ve navigated through colonial times, apartheid policies, and Zimbabwe’s post-independence challenges.
The ancient voices of Venda ancestors seem to echo through the town, guiding their descendants in a dance of preservation and progress. Naledi Mulaudzi, a young Venda artist, crafts pots that tell stories of her people’s history. “Every piece I make is a chapter of our story,” she explains, her hands moving with the grace of centuries-old tradition.
The ngoma drums’ rhythm is the heartbeat of the Venda, resonating through Beitbridge. Tshifhiwa Nesengani, a respected elder, describes the dance as a connection between past and future. “Dancing is how we connect with our past and our future,” he says, his voice bearing the weight of generations.
In Beitbridge’s markets, the economic realities of modern Zimbabwe are palpable. Mpho Tshikhudo, a local trader, speaks of resilience in the face of currency fluctuations. “We’re resilient; we adapt,” he quips, his stall a testament to the Venda’s ingenuity amidst adversity.
The youth, like Lufuno Mphephu, navigate a dual existence, balancing tradition with technology. “We live in two worlds, learning to dance a new rhythm,” he reflects, highlighting the community’s struggle to maintain cultural identity while engaging with the global community.
A recent festival in Beitbridge was not just a celebration but a reaffirmation of Venda identity. Thandi Mudau, the event’s organizer, beams with pride, “This festival is more than just a gathering; it’s a reaffirmation of our identity.” Here, old and new Venda come together, sharing their culture, with the air filled with the scent of millet beer and the sounds of celebration.
As the sun sets over Beitbridge, the narrative of the Venda people persists—a story of resilience, adaptation, and enduring cultural richness, told through the lives of those who keep it alive.
