Fun walk to promote heritage
Despite the Thohoyandou High Court interdict to halt the coronation of the Vhavenda King, Toni Mphephu Ramabulana, more than 20 000 people, including the king himself, participated in the annual Toni Mphephu Ramabulana Fun Walk.
LIMPOPO – The walk, which forms part of the Phalaphala FM and Royal Heritage Festival, took place on Friday. The main purpose of the 10 km fun walk was to encourage Venda speaking people to appreciate their local heritage sites in celebration of Heritage Month.
The fun walk started in Ha-Tshisele village near Thohoyandou and ended at the Royal Gardens at Nandoni Dam.
“As Vha-Venda people, we must appreciate all our traditions and heritage sites and, as we celebrate Heritage Month, embrace our own culture and tradition,” said King Toni Mphephu Ramabulana.
He encouraged the Vhavenda people to practice their traditional dances, games such as Musangwe, and customs not only during the month of September, which is Heritage Month, but throughout the entire year. “Our customs and traditions make us who we are, so let’s embrace and celebrate them,” he said.
It has been reported that President Jacob Zuma was supposed to have conferred the official kingship status to Toni Mphephu Ramabulana after the walk but a court interdict issued by the Thohoyandou High Court last week barred him from doing so. This came after the Vha-Venda kingship contender, Masindi Mphephu Ramabulana (25), succeeded in a legal application to interdict the coronation. Among those who participated in the walk were senior residents who believe the walk plays a major role in their physical well-being.
“Even though it was a strenuous walk, I am happy that today I managed to exercise which is good for my health. I wish this walk can become a weekly event as it can help all of us prevent health risks such as obesity and high blood pressure,” said Nyawasedza Mudau (82), a resident of Tshikhudini village, who participated in the fun walk.
Among the participants in the walk were Minister of Communications, Faith Muthambi, Vhembe District Mayor, Florence Radzilani, actors from the SABC 2 drama, Muvhango, several Phalaphala FM presenters and traditional leaders.
Muthambi told participants the Vhavenda people should be proud of promoting and embracing their culture.
“You should not be shy of promoting and preserving your heritage. You must also wear traditional clothing such as the minwenda to show you are proud of preserving our culture,” she said.
The President of Musangwe, Tshilidzi Ndovane, praised the efforts by King Mphephu Ramabulana for making this day possible.
“Through Musangwe, young men can fight each other using their fists in a controlled environment instead of fighting with knives on the street. Our young men have shown great enthusiasm for the game and we will host our yearly event around the festive season in the rural Tshifudi village,” said Ndovane.
