Why women are not allowed in Musangwe

Traditionally speaking, women have been barred from participating or engaging themselves in quite numerous activities. It is this very tradition that contradicts with the emporwernment of women. Our parents during their childhood were told that women must not go to school or even do something that could develop themselves. In addition, it was stated that if a woman goes to school she would instantaneously run mad.

The point is: Every time when elders lay a law, they do so in order to protect or avert harm. We were told in younger ages not to touch our sister's tit or breast to avoid adversity, we were not clearly explained what kind of danger may come upon us, you wouldn't even dare ask why. Elders were trying to avert circumstances where you can rape your own sister. Such things are happening today as I'm writing ; fathers are raping their own children because people are not fearful anymore. Today everything that was prohibited is being practiced; you can touch your sister's breast and fathers can kiss their daughters without 'fear'.
Why women are not allowed in Musangwe? Some believe it will cause some irregularities to women menstural circle, but I don't solely consider that, why can't we find our grannies presence since they do not menstruate? There is more to the story; I understand our ancestors were not dim-witted; there is something they were forestalling.

However, the culture that we embrace dearly also has severe consequences upon us, today mother's "single parents" are struggling alone to put foods on tables hance they were banned to go to school by our grand parents. The men who were thought to be the ones who could go to school and take care of families are no where to be found. Why did our ancestors put such tough laws upon women? What was their agenda?

In our day, women are diverging from the norm; we are witnessing a rapid moral decay, and more divorces Than we actually need. Most empowered women "independent women" don't give a damn of what men suppose. When you differ with her in terms of thoughts she threaten you with divorce. Why modern women are not like the ancient ones? Are they suffering from tolerence fatigue? I mean they have been putting up with men's deeds for quite sometimes so perhaps they are trying to prove a point. But also, it is the Western culture that is aggreviating the problem. People are now caught between two points, (the African culture vs Western culture). Which culture is best for whom?

Women also play a part in their disempowerment, they hail for 50/50 when it suits them. What does "Ladies first mean" mean? Do women actually believe that they are not equal to men? Why must someone be given a special treatment if we are equal? The Western culture also contradicts with women empowernt.

Who is wrong and who is right, culturally and traditionally speaking?

Another hot music album by Tshidino

The much-awaited album 'Nne Ndi Nne' is finally out for grabs. It carries influential tracks including Munwe na Munwe, Remembered forever, Mana a Mutukana amongst others.

The multitalented Tshidino released his first solo album in 2009 titled 'Ndi do fa na inwi'. The 12 track album also features Humbulani Ramagwedzha on the track called 'Munwe na Munwe'

"This album tries to accomodate all my fans by conveying mesages in several South African languages, Tshivenda, isiZulu and English and it appeals to young and old alike" said Tshidino.

"The album is dedicated to my last born son, Khodani Ndou who was born on the 12 October 2010, the day I released this album" he maintained.

An exclusive intervew with Tshidino Ndou aka "Chidino"

This time we put a well known Tshidino Ndou aka "chidino" on the spot, trying to get a rare glimpse of his creativity and vision in the film industry. The Only Truth always go out of its way meeting endowned people in order to unlesh talents and make you fully acquainted with your favourates Celebs.

The Only Truth:What is the name of your Company and what is all about?
Chidino:My Company is called Dzhatsha Films and its main function is to produce and distribute movies. The company has been operating for two years now.

The Only Truth:Tell us, what inspired you to get started in filmmaking?
Chidino:Naturally movies are my passion. There are great African stories to be told all around us. When it started in the 90's I had already directed and acted in the registered no-profit organization, Dzhatsha Community Theater which I co-founded with my three younger brothers, Jeffry Ndou, Takalani Ndou, and Mukondeleli Ndou. Growing up watching Mr. T of the "A Team" and Michael Knight of "Night Rider" in the 80's on a black and white television eventually blossomed into a love of movies and I decided that making films is what I wanted to do with my life. I also drew inspiration from my father whom I will always adore for supporting Dzhatsha Community Theater by offering costumes for stage acting. May his soul rest in peace!

The Only Truth:How many films have you produced?
ChidinoI have produced and directed five films to date

The Only Truth:How did you breakthrough to the movie industry?
Chidino:My fist breakthrough was when I got involved in the post office "Big Shoot" commercial ad for SABC in 2001, since then I have been involved in numerous films and television productions such as Jozi Streets, Crossing the line, All you need is love, AVBOB and Ashifashabba television show. In 2005 I established my own company, Dzhatsha Films, where I wrote and directed movies such as "Mphemphe i a netisa", "Mathaithai", "Hudo bvuma na fhasi" and "Hudo dzula nnyi", which features SABC2 drama Muvhango actors, Mrs Murabeli Elsie Rasalanavho and the late Jackee Muleya who played the role of Tshianeo in Muvhango.

The Only Truth:What kind of films do you enjoy making?
Chidino:Without settling boundries, my passion is in comedy films, but I also love doing romantic stories.

The Only Truth:One of the biggest challanges facing filmmakers in South Africa is piracy. Is piracy a big issue for you?
Chidino:You see, at the end of the day will find that our movies sell quite well, but they don't sell as much as they should. We don't really have great turnover as it should be. People should be educated that piracy hinders our development.

The Only Truth:Apart from piracy what are other problems you are currently facing?
Chidino:Honestly, funding is hard. At some point, I realise I would never make a living off my movies, and that is why I often cast non-professional actors in my filmr due to our low budget production.

The Only Truth:Can you tell us some of the talented actors you would like to wnrk with?
Chidino:My best actors are in Nollywood. I would enjoy directing Rita Domnic, Patience Ozokwo, Clarion Chukwurah, Mercy Jonson, John Okafor (MR. IBU), fransis Duru, Nkemowoh (Osoufia) to mention but few. These actors are able to bring out the best in them and make me believe in the story. If they have to cry, they really do cry.

The Only Truth:Are you in anyway threatened by other film production companies in the industry?
ChidinoGosh! What are other companies? Competition is good but I don't really see any local company that is threatening us. However, we need more film production companies to come forth and produce many films for our people. I don't think I should feel threatened by any formation of a Movie Company. For me it is when you've gone international that's when we can begin to talk of competiton. Perhaps we are threatened by Hollywood.

The Only Truth:Is the anything that makes your company different from others?
Chidino:Yes, we are a fully registered film producer and distributor. We are also a registered member of a film and Publication Board. All our films are reviewed and rated for public viewing.

The only Truth:Are you intending collaborating with other filmmakers?
Chidino:Yeah, I was contacted by Murendeni Ramunenyiwa who played as Lambani on Muvhango and Shonisani Muleya commonly known as Shabba to do a movie together. Murendeni was challanged by my drama "Hudo dzula nnyi" while Shabba was impressed by Mathaithai Comedy.

The Only Truth:Without giving things aways, what are you working on now?
ChidinoYeah, im currently shooting a musical movie, 'I want to be a star' which is set for release latter this year. The film is based on the life story of a beautiful women and young charismatic girl, Beyonce who wa

Musangwe -The Mysterious Venda Combat

Like singing, fighting has always been an African tradition; Vhavenda tribe in South Africa has own fighting club tradition called Musangwe which dates back from 18 centuries about 300 year old. This anual event takes place at Tshifudi cattle dip where any male from the age of nine battle for pride. Other African Tribes make use of fighting sticks (Nduku) like Zulu (Nguni) while vhaVenda people go at it hummer and tongs with their bare hands. In addition, Nigeria in West Africa also has a Traditional Boxing called Dambe (also known as Kokawa) which is associated with Hausa People. It is arguable that African Tradition glorifies masculinity; a man is then defined by the strength, power and influence he has among other men or community as a whole. A man is also expected to protect his family in every circumstances. The Musangwe combat or the fight in African tradition is regarded as a game and a means to gain status and respect among community.

The magnitudes of people draw together around a dust patch scrambling to get a better view of their local favorites exchanging fists with other potential oponents. While men leave for Tshifudi battling field, women are left behind to do household tasks. According to Venda tradition women are not allowed to attend or physically participate in Musangwe combat.

In the olden days, boys primary responsibility was to head cattle and they used to battle every time when they took cattle to the dipping area, that's the reason Musangwe even today takes place near a dip because that's where boys used to gather. Perhaps is another reason women are not allowed to participate in Musangwe, but other people belive that something awful happens to women menstruation circle if they dare attend the event.

Musangwe is always under control. One of the traditional healer maintain that muti and other rituals traditional healers perfome before the annual event could actualy kick start help to keep calm and control on the battle field. According to the roports there has been only one repported death of 'Belingwe' who was allegedly killed by Frans Malala with a puch during Musangwe fight. It is also stated that after the death, the investigating magistrate asked Frans to kill a donky with a one blow to prove Belingwe's death was an accident. "he hit the donkey and it fell and magistrate could see that he was very strong".

There are actually rules in Musangwe; they're just not written in stone. At least one of them being that a downed opponent cannot be hit. There isn't an official to dictate this rule, but there are spectators armed with whipping sticks to let it be known that enough is enough. The second rule regards challenges. One fighter can challenge any other fighter by presenting his fist to his potential opponent. This makes for an electric atmosphere.

There's a constant mix of seasoned veterans looking to popularize their masculinity, fighters seeking to put on a show. At times, the Musangwe combatants seem controlled by an unseen forces. Fighting styles become unnatural, uncontrollable and unpredictable. Everyone believes supernatural forces are at work. People also believe that it depends on how strong your muti is, the weaker the muti the powerless you will become.

There are three levels of fighters. Young boys, dubbed "mambibi", encouraged to play fight by their fathers. Then there are the teenage fighters, the "Rovhasize". But it's the experienced fighters that everyone come to see. The champions.


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Former prisoners held at Robben Island

I salute you for hard work and sacrifice, you and many others completed a quest of making South Africa a democratic country. I have never been a prisoner before, but I comprehend that it is not a place where every one would aspires to be in, especially during those harsh epoch of Apartheid. Today I declare myself free because of your determined vision and struggle.

Here is the list of some of the former prisoners held at Robben Island. Remember that Robben Island served as a place of banishment, seclusion and imprisonment. But today it is a World Heritage site and museum; it is a heartbreaking reminder to the newly democratic South Africa. Today we salute these people and many others who were not held to prison:

• Nelson Mandela
• Govan Mbeki
• Jacob Zuma
• Autshumato
• Dannis Brutus
• Patric Chamusso
• Laloo Chiba
• Eddie Daniels
• Jerry Ekanjo
• Nceba Faku
• Petrus Iilonga
• Ahmed Kathrada
• Gamzo Mandierd
• Billy Nair
• Langalibalele
• Mosiuoa Lekota
• Mac Maharai
• Chief Maqoma
• Gaus Shikomba
• Makana
• Michael Matsobane
• Jeff Masemola
• Wilton Mkhayi
• Murphy Morobe
• Sayed Adurohman Moturu
• Griffiths Mxenge
• M.D. Naidoo
• John Nkosi
• Mongqawuse
• Maqana Nxele
• George Peake
• John Nyathi pokela
• Walter Sisulu
• Robert sobukwe
• Andimba Toivo ya Toivo

Source
www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robben_Island



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About 300 Gays plan Kissing in front of the Pope

Gay rights activists said they are planning a homosexual kissing protest in front of Pope Benedict XVI when he visits Barcelona, spain in so called Flashmob protest. "we are hoping for a crowd of people of the same sex who will kiss each other for two minutes in front of the Pope", said one of the organisers, Marylene Carole. Sunday Times reported. The organisers also complained that Facebook had taken down two "event pages" titled "Queer Kissing Flashmob" that were being used to advertise the protest, without giving a clear explanation. They expect about 300 Gay people to attend the protest.

Well, I would like to applaud Facebook team for removing the page that was being used to mobilise people to join in the protest. The fact is Facebook has its policies and regulations; most importantly it is also being used by children at their tender age, so you can understand the menace of running sexual meteria on a social network like Facebook.

Why are Gays so besotted about Pope's opinion of them? Does kissing in public for two minutes going to change the Pope's and other people's minds? It appears as if gay people are not sure if they are doing the right thing so they want Pope's approval. Are they guilty conscious? There is no need to prove a point if you are doing the right thing. A call for Gay acceptance it's like a call for prostitution approval, it will take sometime for others to accept. Prostituts are still fighting for recognition but to no avail. This protest will cause more fury and Gays shouldn't be surprised to again find themselves in a quandary. Don't get me wrong, I'm just stating the facts.

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Gay Ugandans targeted after exposed by newspapers

Gays have been attacked after 100 people listed in an October 9 article in Uganda’s Rolling Stone Newspaper (created by journalism students), which featured a list of homosexuals. One of the sickening things is that the Newspaper ran a bright yellow banner that reads: “Hang them”. The Mail & Guardian Online reports that 3 people have been attacked and many more are hiding since the publicity.

As a media practitioner it turns my stomach to hear that the media itself are the ones who are fueling phobia against homosexuals. I mean, the media should know better, the role of the media is neither to incite violence nor to violate other people’s human rights. The media have the principal responsibility to restore calm in times of war and violence; they are the ones that should be on the fore front quelling the situation. South African Media did very well during the Xenophobia era; adverts were run discouraging perpetrators from Xenophobia acts, even the reporting itself was superb. The media have the most influential power on people; we are who we are because of the media. That’s the reasons that make many governments want to control the media; it’s because of its power. They know that once you control the media you control the mind sets of the people.

The Rolling Stone editor astonishingly defended the publishing of photos, addresses of homosexuals and the bold headline “Hang them” as a public interest. How disgusting, what happened to distancing your feelings and believes from a story. The most horrible is that the newspaper in question (Rolling Stone) belongs to journalism students, what kind of journalism is they being taught? They are practicing street journalism.

“Many Ugandans regard homosexual as a western import and say it’s against their traditional cultural beliefs” how many western imports have they swallowed without grumble? I’m a proud African and I value my culture, but I also think culture change with times. That is the reason we are not Africans of yesterdays, our tradition does not tolerate women to dress in trousers or pants but women today are doing just that and no one is being killed.

The so called “Global Village” is rapidly killing African culture, but I do not encourage the killing of one of us just to protect tradition. Those people who are calling for the death penalty of gays are also in some way playing big role on the dearth of African culture. The blame can not be pinned on gay community alone.

The Ugandans government has no ignominy in drafting a bill that would have imposed the death penalty for some homosexual acts and life imprison for others. I’m not encouraging other African Countries to follow South African foot steps in making gay marriage legal but I’m calling for tolerance, lets not kill other people for who they really are. I wonder what would those people (who call for gay’s death penalty) do if one of their children tomorrow turns gay, would they kill him? Humm!

I’m disappointed in you fellow Africans



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Celine Dion named one of twin after Nelson Mandela

It's a good gesture that many people across the globe recognize the kindness of our icon Tata Nelson Mandela. Celine Dion in a report by one of the newspapers said she names her child after Nelson Mandela because she was impressed by Mandela's humanity. Celine and her husband Reno want their children to be inspired by their names. I expect many children to come to be name after this icon.

It is substantiation that when you do good deeds you will be honored even before you are dead. Remember the 2002 World Cup in Korea Japan; countless children who were born in Brazil during that World Cup were named after a Brazilian striker Ronaldo. Naming something after a person is a great honor, we name buildings, bridges and places after people's names, I acclaim Celine Dion and her husband for this one.

A name has a powerful influence in our lives; most of children with bad names always do dreadful things. If a child is named after his father "junior" he always tries to ensure that he resembles his father in what ever he does. That's the power of a name.

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HIV positive Woman who had Sex with 20 men

A 19 year old woman had sex with 20 men without telling them of her infection with HIV. South Korean police detained the woman from the Southern part of Busan. It is reported on Sowetan Newspaper that she tested positive in February 2010 and had since had sex with 20 men she met online. It took the courageous father according to the reports to report his daughter to the police. She was said to have been receiving 100,00 won (90 dollers, R700) from each man in return for having sex at motels. The court in Busan rejected a request from police to issue a warrant of arrest, saying she could instead be sent to hospital for treatment.

What makes this woman's act a serious crime is her "intension", the intension to kill, to cause body harm. The young woman in question knew quite well what she was doing, at least the court should have issued a warrant of arrest. What message is the court conveying to other HIV infected individuals who are also contemplating to do the same? A deliberate infection of other people with HIV/AIDS is tantamount to murder. Now it means 20 men are positive, 20 wives infected and perhaps another 20 mistresses in danger.

Well, I also blame the victims who go around sleeping with total strangers possibly without condom; they have brought it upon themselves. People should make out that when you are HIV positive you can still live another 30 years if you are taking treatment. It's not the end of the world. Online dating can be very dangerous sometimes if you do not execise caution.


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Is Alcohol a Problem?

I grew up in the church going family but that's not the reason I do not drink. Like in every family or organisation, there is always a loose canon and in this case my uncle is one. He is a heavy drinker, let me say an alcohol abuser. At his 40's he does not have a steady relationship let alone a nuclear family or anything valuable you can point at, yet he is working a better job. These are some of the things that made me not to have interes in intoxicating my self when I was young, but it also made me to see the pros and cons of alcohol. Afterwards, I realised that there are people out there who drink alcohol but are good parents and most importantly good citizens of this country.

I do not drink but I can not declare that alcohol is indeed a problem, people are. Alcohol is not the source of many societal problems; these problems also exist in cultures that do not drink any way, the problem is the abuse of it thereof. According to the research 50% of people who die on the road in South Africa have blood alcohol concentration above 0.05 gram per 100 milliliters (www.arivealive.co.za). An estimated 5.7 million people were living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa in 2009 more than any country. It is belived that in 2008 over 250,00 South Africans died of Aids (www.avert.org/aidssouthafrica.htm). These are the two main things that are rapidly killing our beloved families and friends; hence it is inconceivable that sex and alcohol be banned. Alcohol runs many components of society, economic, religion, you name them. Otherwise we will have to ban everything because there is nothing in this life that doesn't have side effects. Everybody knows that if they engage in sexual activities without condom or drive in the influence of any intoxication there consequences. Accordingly, it is all about responsibility, behavioral change and valuing yourself.

This article is being published just one month before christmas holidays. Those who drink let them drink responsibly, one would be relieved to see death toll declining this year. It is a reality; if you are not drinking responsibly you will get divorced, addicted, accidents, beaten up and so on.


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Famous Venda People

Here is the catalogue of Famous Venda People. There is nothing gratifying than seeing previously disadvantaged group (especially Black people) doing well in life and being recognized for the job they do. This serves as an inspiration to others who at this juncture fighting their way to the top. Not all these people were born with silver spoon in their mouth.


Adv Alwei Mushavhanamadi
Adv Given Ramatsekisa
Adv Lufuno Nevondwe
Adv Maele Mushasha
Albert Tshivheaho Mathivha "Seremane"
Alfred lusunzi
Alfred Taringo Lukoto (Judge)
Alex Netshapasha (News reader)
Alpheous Ramavhea
Aluwani Dzhivhuho
Andrew Khalushi (Music Compiler Phala Phala)
Annah Magwaba (Magwaba bus Service)
Asivhanzhi Mathaba (SA Multitalented director. Directed Big Brother, Latitude, zola7, walala wasala e.tc. Has own company: Asi-B Films
Azwi Malaka (Pfuluwani at Muvhango)
Berea Madzonga
Belafonte Rudzani Mawela
Beverley Maphangwa(MetroFM Producer)
Bricks Mudau
Charity Mukondeleli (Boxer)
Chester Makana(journalist Sowetan)
Chester Ramulifho (Director Friends like these, Live at SABC1)
Chillboy Rathando aka "CC" (Small interprenuer)
Col (Ret) George Ramaremisa
Colbert Mukwevho (Vendareggae Legend)
Cyril Ramaphosa
Dan Tshanda
David Lufuno Mabilu aka "Mabix"
David Matamela (Choreographer)
David Thidiela
Diniel Mambushu Mudau
Dj MacG Mukwevho
DJ Nipro
Domina Munzhelele (Phala phala FM drama Producer)
Donald Khanari (Radio Presenter)
Dr Eric Ralinala (Safa National Team doctor u/20. Physiotherapist)
Dr Ephraim Nematshwereni (Former doctor of Amaglug-glug,Moroka Swallows,
olimpic team)
Dr Fhulufhelo Netswera
Dr J.G Tshifularo (Vhembe FET CEO)
Dr Ndivhuwo Lukhwareni
Dr Neluvhola (Traditional healer)
Dr Ntavhanyedzeni Phaswana
Dr Ramasuvha Tsephen Vhulahani
Dr Victor Ramathesele
Dr Tshiwela Neluheni
Dr Rudzani Muloiwa aka 'Rudz'
Elelwani Mathivha
Elijah Mushiana (Journalist)
Eric Ramavhale
Emmanuel Kwinda
Emmanuel Makungo (SABC News Journalist)
Fhatuwani Calvin Munyangane (Radio News Reader)
Fhatuwani Patricia Mugivhi
Frederik Tshamano Phaswana (Chairman of Standar Bank Group)
Florence Masevhe
Fredy Sadiki (Phala Phala Station Manager)
Gabriel Temudzaniaka Chief Azwinndini
George Muthundine Phadagi
George Negota
Given Mulaudzi "Master G"
Gladys Lukhwareni (Athlet)
Gladwin Khangale
Glen Lewis Tshinavhe aka
Glen Lewis
Hulisani Cecilia Ravele aka CC
Hulisani Muloiwa
Humbelani Nengovhela
Humbulani Netshandama (Motivational Speaker)
Humbulani Ramagwedzha (reggae artist)
Hyson Musandiwa
Ice p (Lusunzi)
Ike Mboneni Muila (Poet&Writer)
Innocent Mashamba "Radio News Reader"
Ipfi Maumela
Irene Mawela
Isaac Mbedzi (Sports commentator)
Isaac Murwa wa Murwa Muila (SABC Radio News)
Isaac Mushiana aka Vhakoma in Mathathai
Itani Madima (musician)
Jedi Mulovhedzi (Tsiko Production)
Jenipher Muthige (Radio Presenter)
Jimmy Netshilulu- "da scratcher"
Joe Mafela aka Mbungula, Sdumo
Joel Netshitenzhe
Joe Latani Sekhwama
Joel Tangulani aka “Mujuwi”, “dwathwa”
Jones Netshipise-"Tshigalane"
Joseph Masimbane
Joyce Mabudafhasi
Joyce Mashamba
Jude Tshisevhe
Junior Singo (actor)
Kedibone Mulaudzi (Comedian)
Khakhathi Tshisikule (Khakhathi and Friends)
Khathu Mamaila (City Press)
Khume Ramulifho
Kirsten Nematandani (SAFA President
Lindelani Mukwevho (Construction)
Lovemore Ndou (Boxer)
Lucky Tharaga
Lucky Tshilimandila
Lufuno Dagada (gospel artist)
Lufuno Lefty maphala
Lufuno Munonde
Lufuno Nemungadi (Rhythm City E-TV Line producer)
Lufuno Tshivhase
Lukhwareni
Lusani MafunzwainiRe.
Lutendo Brenda Mukwevho (Director at Muvhango)
Lutendo Tshisikule
Luvhengo Mungomeni (Footballer)
Maduvha Madima
Magwedzha Mphaphuli
Malakiya Ndou
Marther Makhela
Mbulaheni Charles Mphephu
Mmbara Hulisani Kevin
Makhadzi Mpilo (musician, News reader)
Mashudu Elphas Tshivhase
Mashudu Elphas Tshivhase
Mashudu Mabatha
Mashudu Mabidi (Poet)
Mashudu Mabushe (Ndevhetsini)
Mashudu Madzhie
Mashudu Mphafudi
Mashudu Ramano
Mashau Silas Ramaite
Mathoho Eric Mulomowandau (Footballer)
Mbavhalelo Elvis Nemukula (senior Sub-Editor Sowetan)
Mbodi Khalushi
Mbulaeni Mulaudzi
Mickson Tshinyane (Sports Commentator)
Millicent Tshiwela Makhado aka Agnes at Muvhango
Mike Mutshinya (Sports SABC)
Moses Netshitangani
Mufamadi Thabadiawa
Mukoni Ratshitanga
Muleya Shonisani(Ashifashabba)
Muleya Tshimangadzo
Mulondolo Ramulongo (musician)
Mpho Nefale- "Linoni"
Mpho Rathando
Mpho Tsedu
Marcus Mundalamo
Maswigiri Mulaudzi
Masana Mulaudzi (SAWIP)
Masala Ndou
Masimbe
Mathatha Tsedu (SA Veteran Journalist)
Maumela Mahuwa aka Suzan
Maumela TN (Tshivenda writer)
Muditambi Ravele (National Co-ordinator, Wonen&Sport)
Mulondo Sekwivhilu
Mbulungeni Masenya Mphaphuli (Radio News Reader)
Mike Manena
(Sports Analyst)
Mudini Maivha
Mulalo Ramarumo "Duka"
Mutondi Neshehe aka Ndalamo
Mutsitsielwa Mureri
Munonde (Gizara Cleaning company)
Munyadziwa Nemutudi
Muronga (Editor SABC News Limpopo Combo)
Ndanganeni Mudau
Ndavheleseni Ramakuwela
Ndivhuwo Given Khuba
Ndivhuyafhi Mathode
Ndivhuwo Khangale
Ndivhuwo Musetha (Journalist)
Ndivhuwo Mutsila aka Albert at Muvhango
Ndou Adam
Ndwambi AG (Enos Bus Service)
Nkhangweni Rambau
Net Ramabulana
(Blessing in Askies)
Ntakadzeni Ronald Munyai
Ntshavheni Wa Luruli
Ntambudzeni Rasendedza aka Mr Bundu
Ntsieni Ramabulana ‘Big Daddy”
Ofhani Owen Muebi (Ndevhetsini)
Ofhani Munyai (Capricon FM Producer)
Pastor Tshifhiwa Irene
Pastor Isaac Dagada
Pat Raphunga
Phathutshedzo Muthambi aka 'Tshibulebule'
Phathutshedzo Ratshilumela aka Phash (MD, Mio)
Percy Mukwevho
Phillip Ndou "Time bomb"
Paul Mafela aka Mushasha
Pfarelo Maduguma
Phumudzo Manenzhe "The Bold"
Precious Maiwashe (Sports Presenter)
Prof NM Musehane
Professor Hery Nengwekhulu
Professor Maano Ramutsindela
Prof Mashudu Tshifularo
Professor Tshilidzi Marwala
Professor Mulalo Doyoyo
Professor Mpfari Budeli
Professor NR Madadzhe
Professor N.A Milubi
Professor Ntshengedzeni Alfred Nevhutanda
(Chairman SA Lottery)
Ragimana Praise (Tsalena Media)
Ramarumo Tshililo
Ratshitanga Samson Ndou
Reckson Phadziri
Rendani Rathando
Rendani Sikhwivhilu
Robson Rambuwani (Likhuwa)
Rofhiwa Bologo "Tholi B"
Rofhiwa Manyaga (gospel)
Rofhiwa Nethengwe (Radio Presenter)
Rofhiwa Rampfumedzi (music Compiler Phala Phala)
Rotenda Mphephu
Rotenda "Purple Rose" Maiwashe
Roxley Masevhe
Rudzani Dzuguda (Dzuguda Production)
Rudzani Ramudzuli
Rudzani Khalushi "1020"
Rudzani Tshivhase (SABC Radio News Journalist)
Salome Mutshinya
Saulo Nephawe (musician)
Shandukani Madima
Sharon Ravele (Radio Presenter)
Shumani Mugeri Manenzhe (Climatologist)
Stephen Mbedzi
Strike Mulaudzi
Sydney Kharivhe
Sydney Mashige (sports comentator)
Sydney Fholisani Mufamadi
Stanley Liphadzi
Takalani Joseph Raulinga
Takalani Madima
Takalani Mudau (musician)
Takalani Musekwa
Takalani Ndou (gospel)
Takalani Raulinga
Takalani Vincent Ratshibvumo (Magistrate)
Thambatshira Ndadza (Ndevhetsini)
Thanyani Philip Ramawa
Thembuluwo Mamphodo aka Mbungu
Thomani Makwarela
Thomas Muleya (Capricorn FET)
Thovhele VhoKennedy Tshivhase (self-proclaimed King of Venda)
Thinawanga Conrad
Thilivhali Muavha aka "Big T"
Thilivhali Mulaudzi (Traffic)
Thilivhali Ralutanda aka "Tosh Gill" (Capricorn FM Producer)
Thivhilaeli Simon Nedohe
Thivhudziswi Lukoto
Thikolelwi Liphadzi
T Man Garvin
TN Makuya (Tshivenda writer)
Tryphosa Ramano
Tshamano Makhadi
Tshamano Nepfumbada (Phala phala FM Programmes Manager)
Tshamano Sebe
aka Biza in stockvel
Tshianeo Elizabeth Phathela (phala phala fm)
Tshidino Ndou aka Chidino (Dzhatsha Film)
Tshinetise Solomon Mathase
Tshifhiwa Cassius Lukoto
Tshifhiwa Doyoyo
Tshifhiwa Pat Nephawe
Tshifhiwa Munyai "Atomic Spider"
Tshifhiwa Thidiela
Tshililo Nelufule "Tshiraiza"
Tshiphiri lucas Nemutanzhela (Political analyst)
Vusani Netshimbupfe (Limpopo Traditional Affairs Chairperson)
Vhutshilo Nelwamondo
Vasco Manavhela aka "VM, Mujix"s
Victor Ravhuanzwo
Wanani Nevhutalu (Director Generation)
Watson Tshivhase (Political Analyst)
WMRD PhophiSS Madima
William Mukwevho (die hard kaizer chiefs fan)
"Zwo" Nevhutalu
Zwikhodo Netshituni (Journalist)

Heita (8ta) mobile network will benefit consumers

Increased competition benefits consumers a great deal. I disagree with those who say it’s too little too late for Telkom to own a mobile network. According to other reports Telkom had a stake at Vodacom mobile network and some heavily criticise Telkom by selling its Vodacom shares.

I might not be a good economist but one thing for sure, following profound competition and technological convergence Telkom is in its own right and reasonable in bringing up a mobile network of its own. If we can check Telkom used to capitalise much on the provision of internet connection and land line phoning. Things have changed, some companies use mobile connections for internet and other business related matters. Today as I’m writing all mobile networks are capitalising on this, they use USB connection modern for internet connection. Most people I know have migrated to a new technology because it is convenient. So Telkom finds itself in the muddle, the reality is they are still competing with mobile networks’ like it or not. So what should they do? They are obliged to create their mobile network so that they can be back on the game. It’s a great idea Telkom has ever made.

It is a good news to consumers because they are still going to experience more mahala calls (free minutes) and low charges.

I must commend ICASA for opening up a market for increased competition. One would like the same to apply in the postal services. Eish! The prices of the fast mail that unemployed graduates buy everyday it’s beyond ones comprehension. Some people are unable to apply for jobs because of these unbearable prices, then how do you expect the unemployment rate to drop?

The introduction of 8ta is also a wakeup call for Cell C, Its good thing that they have revamped their logo. They must work hard to stay in the game. I am a happily South African with variety of mobile services choice to choose from.

Thanx a lot


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The death of the famous Paul Octopus

The Octopus that shot fame by correctly predicting 2010 Fifa World Cup results in South Africa has died. He predicted all games involving Germany and also picked Spain to win the World Cup final over the Netherlands. "The aquarium has already been grooming a successor, to be named Paul like his mentor" the Sunday Times reported.

One wonders if his successor would also be popular in the next 2014 World Cup in Brazil or is it the end of animals pridiction in foot ball. It is a briliant idea that the aquarium has decided to give Octopus Paul a special burial plot. I wouldn't be surprised if Fifa President Blatter grace the function, that creature made the World Cup to be a blast. Everyone watched every game that Octopus Paul predicted with such keen interest, wanting to attest if the Octopus got it right. It is advisable for the aquarium to name itself after Octopus Paul, which would be a great honor.

It is also a learson to orther endowed people out there who have something to show to the world. Do not keep talents to your self, there are other events in your neighborhoods other than Fifa World Cup where you can show case. Who knows? There are many ways to make a living.

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Mapungubwe

Many people take black people in Africa for granted; they think a black person can not do a thing without a white person on his side. But I completely disagree with such stereotypes. A black man can do everything he wants without a white man intervention also a white man can do everything he wants without Blackman’s intervention.

The history fully concur with me that Africa was and is not a “dark” continent after all. There are people who still think that people in Africa live on trees and eat like animals.while others still think that Africa wouldn’t have developed and transformed the way it is today if it was not because of colonisers. I beg to differ with such assertions. The history proves that Africans have been in mining ages before my great grand parents were born. They have been trading with gold for goodness sake, Mapungubwe is a perfect example.

The truth is, whether you are black, white, Indian, or coloured, God made us all and gave us equal opportunities. We, ourselves we then take for granted of what we are capable of. Other people are suffering not because they lack money, but because they do not think. They are still oppressed with the mentality that “behind every Blackman success, there is a white man”. The reality is that if you keep on thinking like that, you won’t make it in every aspect of life.

As God’s creatures, White, Indian, Black we need to work together to achieve greater things. Colour is nothing; it’s about potential and mental strength.

Below is the brief History, background of Mapungubwe Kingdom, gen up

THE CULTURAL LANDSCAPE:
settlement and cultural sequence in the Limpopo River Valley

Hunter-gatherers of the Stone Age roamed the river flood plains and cave sandstone hills of the Limpopo valley from time to time and left their stone tools there. Paintings in rock shelters and a few rock engravings are evidence of San hunter-gatherer communities in the Stone Age landscape. The first communities who made iron tool and clay pots arrived in the central Limpopo valley during the early Iron Age, possibly by AD 500. These people were the forerunners of larger farming communities of the Iron Age who settled in the Limpopo River valley between AD 800 and AD 1400.
The Iron Age sites at K2 and Mapungubwe were inhabited between AD 1000 and Ad 1300. Archaeologists believe that both sites were once capitals of African kings. Unfortunately the inhabitants identity remains a mystery since this part of history goes back before the written record and no known oral traditions can be recorded over a period of a thousand years, therefore the inhabitants are merely known as the ‘Mapungubweans’.

THE SETTLEMENTS
Mapungubwe is the site of three royal graves and was the center of a terraced settlement. Stonewalls buttressed the slopes and homesteads were scattered about. The king and his soldiers lived near the top of the hill and were supported by the people on the lower levels. The neighbouring village of K2 indicates that the inhabitants were subsistence farmers, raising both stock and crops. A valuable feature of K2 is the large central refuse site, from which archaeologists have been able to glean a store of information. Human remains from various graves indicate that these communities enjoyed a healthy, varied diet. People were prosperous and kept domesticated cattle, sheep, goats and dogs. The charred remains of storage huts have also been found, showing that millet, sorghum and cotton were cultivated.

TECHNOLOGY AND TRADE
Findings on Greefswald are typical of the Iron Age. Smiths created objects of iron, copper and gold for practical and decorative purposes – both for local use and for trade. Pottery, wood, ivory, bone, ostrich eggshells and the shells of snails and freshwater mussels indicate that many other materials were used and traded with cultures as far away as East Africa, Persia, Egypt, India and China.
It seems foreign trade was an important part of life in the area and large quantities of glass beads were obtained in exchange for gold and animal skins. At K2, numerous garden roller beads were made from imported glass beads.



NATIONAL & WORLD HERITAGE STATUS
The two main sites, Mapungubwe and K2, were proclaimed National Monuments in the early 1980’s. Boundaries are being set for the creation of a cross-border peace Park, named Mapungubwe National Park, this is also now a World Heritage Site.

AFRICAN FARMING COMMUNITIES and KINGDOMS:
traditions, subsistence, technology and trade
The traditions of African farming communities were central to their social life, settlement patterns, animal husbandry, agriculture, technology and trade. Many of these cultural aspects are reflected in the remains from K2 and Mapungubwe. A traditional African village is organized around family relationships, and creates household activity areas and places for special social occasions such as initiation schools and religious ceremonies. The close relationship of the villagers with their cattle is often symbolized by the position of the cattle kraal in the village. The domestic animals kept by African Iron Age people included cattle, sheep, goats and dogs. These people cultivated plants such as varieties of sorghum, millet and beans. The Iron Age people were skilled miners and metal workers. Some evidence of their skills are the numerous gold mines in Zimbabwe and some tin and copper mines in South Africa.

K2 – AN IRON AGE SITE: at the foot of Bambandyanalo Hill
K2 is I km southwest of Mapungubwe Hill in a small valley surrounded by cliffs. G A Gardner, who excavated there during the 1930’s, named K2. Between about AD 1030 and AD 1220, for nearly 200 years, many generations of farming people lived at K2. The main site of about 5 hectares includes the remains of a central homestead area, a central cattle kraal and a central midden, surrounded by smaller homesteads.
EVIDENCE OF DAILY LIFE AT K2: the village of a successful farming and trading community
K2 is a particularly large Iron Age site with vast deposits containing a wealth of artifacts such as glass beads and pottery, often found in the numerous graves of the villagers. Huge quantities of bone fragments from slaughtered domestic animals and burnt seeds of domesticated plants such as sorghum and bullrush millet indicate that the K2 people were successful farmers. They were generally healthy people due to their nutritious diet. They were skilled craftsmen who produced characteristic pottery, large glass beads, tools and body ornaments of iron, copper bangles and figurines of humans and domesticated animals. They hunted elephants and traded the ivory for glass beads imported via the African East Coast by traders such as the Swahili.

MAPUNGUBWE: stratigraphic pages of African history
Mapungubwe Hill is a sandstone hill with vertical cliffs and a flat top approximately 30m high and 300, long. A substantial deposit with layers of soil covers it; remains of floors, burnt houses and household refuse. The Southern Terrace below was inhabited from around AD 1030 to 1290 (about 260 years). The hilltop was inhabited for about 70 years from AD 1220 to Ad 1290.

GOLD SYMBOLS
The gold objects from the Mapungubwe graves, such as the rhinoceros, sceptre and bowl, were originally gold sheet or foil covering wooden carvings. The gold sheet was folded around the wooden core and held in place with tacks. In some cases, the gold cover was decorated with punched indentations or incised lines.
Some of these objects, such as the sceptre and rhinoceros, were possibly symbols associated with a person of special significance or high status, such as a king. The person was eventually buried with these objects in accordance with traditional customs and social or religious beliefs. Numerous beads and bangles from graves on Mapungubwe Hill indicate that some members of the community adorned themselves with different types of golden jewellery. These ornaments probably belonged to senior members of the royal family at Mapungubwe.
CLAY ARTEFACTS

Many objects were made of fired clay, or pottery. They were used for various purposes, some still unknown. Human figurines, usually with an elongated body and stumps for heads, arms and legs, were common at K2. They are often decorated with incisions or rows of dots. Some are highly simplified, like the conical figurine found at Mapungubwe.
Animal figurines, mostly from K2, include cattle, sheep and goats. At Mapungubwe, a giraffe figurine was also found. The conical figurines often found at Mapungubwe may have had symbolic significance. Some everyday practical items include spoons, whistles, a funnel and spindle whorls used in the production of cotton cloth. Large pottery beads and mould were used to manufacture large cylindrical glass beads, known as garden roller beads.

ARTEFACTS OF ANIMAL ORIGIN
The Iron Age villagers adorned themselves with numerous beads made of ostrich eggshell, large land snails, bone and ivory.
They wore bracelets made of ivory, decorated their clothes and hair with pins made of bone and ivory, and wore perforated cowrie shells imported from the East Coast.
Some of the last inhabitants of Mapungubwe made and used polished bone arrowheads and arrow link shafts, similar to the arrows used by the San or Bushmen.
Some bone arrowheads from Mapungubwe have flattened front ends into which iron tips were fitted. The people used awls and flat needles made of bone, probably to manufacture clothes from animal skins.

GLASS BEADS: TRADITIONS AND TRADE
Thousands of glass beads have been found in the middens and graves at K2 and Mapungubwe. Burial customs show that children and adults wore strings of beads in a traditional African way. Large quantities of these beads were traded through Swahili ports on the East coast of Africa. Trade beads were imported from foreign countries such as Egypt or India in exchange for ivory and gold from Africa.

The K2 people manufactured large beads, known as garden roller beads. Whole and broken trade glass beads were melted and the molten glass was wound into a prefabricated clay mould to set. The clay mould was then broken to remove the new garden roller glass bead. These are the oldest glass objects made in Southern Africa.


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Dis-Graced Mugabe

Mugabe’s late sister Sabina is reported to have told Mugabe before she died that Grace and Gideon Gono, the powerful head of Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and Mugabe’s confidant, were secret lovers. Grace 41 has taken lover before “One lover, Peter Pamire, died in a mysterious car accident. James Makamba. One of Zimbabwean richest businessman and a top rainking Zanu-PF official, enjoyed her favour but their affair ended in tears, too, when a furious and sexually jealous Mugabe ran him out of town in fear of his life” the Zimbabwen Mail reported.

I opted not to write about the death threats and the people that Mugabe is alleged to have killed because I wanted to centre on the main issues here which are the root of the problem (Cheating and Forgiveness). The issue that also raised my eyebrow is about Mugabe’s junior wife, I keep asking myself questions if she truly loves the man she is married with. We have these breed of women all over the world “Gold Digers”. Robert Mugabe might be seen as a tyrant and a human rights abuser to many but we should not encourage adultery in any way, the reality is that he has been cheated; he is still a human being.

On the above quotation, it has been highlighted that Grace has had affairs with two different men before Gono. Perhaps sometimes forgiveness can lead you to more trouble. I don’t know what Mugabe was thinking when giving his cheating wife a second and third chance at the first place. In our culture (Venda Culture) cheating by a woman is taken as serious offence. There is NO SECOND CHANCE for cheating women (hupfi otswa nga Tshivenda). This is what you get when you forgive a cheat, more EMBARRASSMENT.

Perhaps God has the way of punishing people; what ever wrongs that Mugabe has done this might be the rightful punishment God had to give him. Such things happened in the bible when Absalom had sexual intercourse with his father’s concubines (David) in sight of every one. It was a punishment to David by God. It is an embarrassment for a leader who can stand still against the world without budging but yet surprisingly he can not sort his personal issues. Or should I call it a “domestic affairs” he keeps bragging about.

I do not encourage divorce but the decent thing that Mugabe can do is to divorce his “prostitute” and stop eliminating everyone who fall on Grace’s trap (if the allegations are true). I mean even two warnings are enough for someone to loose a job. The problem is a woman. It goes back to the article I wrote few moths back about Mswati’s wife having an affair with his closest friend, actually it’s a replica. The so called “Close Friends” they are green snakes on the green grass. I’m inclined to agree with those who say “there is no permanent friendship in politics”.

Ndaa!


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Tsonga or Shangaan People

There are many things that you do not know about Tsonga or Shangaan people, here is their history. I saw it fitting to also publish the history of Tsonga people in order to also help in promoting our history and diverse culture as South Africans.

Introduction

The Tsonga are a diverse people, generally including the Shangaan, Thonga, Tonga, and several smaller ethnic groups. Together they numbered about 1.5 million people in South Africa in the mid-1990s, with some 4.5 million individuals in southern Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

Historical Background
The first Tsonga-speakers to enter the former Transvaal probably did so during the 18th Century. They were essentially traders who followed rivers inland, where they bartered cloth and beads for ivory, copper and salt.

The Shangaan tribe came into being when King Shaka of the Zulu, sent Soshangane (Manukosi) to conquer the Tsonga people in the area of present-day southern Mozambique, during the Mfecane upheaval of the 19th Century. Soshangane found a fertile place inhabited by scattered communities of peace-loving people, and he decided to make it his home rather than return to Shaka.

The Shangaan were a mixture of Nguni (a language group which includes Swazi, Zulu and Xhosa), and Tsonga speakers (Ronga, Ndzawu, Shona, Chopi tribes), which Soshangane conquered and subjugated.
Soshangane insisted that Nguni customs be adopted, and that the Tsonga learn the Zulu language. Young Tsonga men were assigned to the army as 'mabulandlela' (those who open the road). Soshangane also imposed Shaka's military system of dominion and taught the people the Zulu ways of fighting.

Soshangane’s army overran the Portuguese settlements in Mozambique, at Delagoa Bay, Inhambane and Sena, and during the next few years, he established the Nguni kingdom of Kwa Gaza, which he named after his grandfather, Gaza.

The Gaza Kingdom comprised parts of what are now southeastern Zimbabwe, as well as extending from the Save River down to the southern part of Mozambique, covering parts of the current provinces of Sofala, Manica, Inhambane, Gaza and Maputo, and neighbouring parts of South Africa.
Another army, under the command of Dingane and Mhlangana, was sent by Shaka to deal with Soshangane, but the army suffered great hardship because of hunger and malaria, and Soshangane had no difficulty, towards the end of 1828, in driving them off.

During the whole of this turbulent period, from 1830 onwards, groups of Tsonga speakers moved southwards and defeated smaller groups living in northern Natal; others moved westwards into the Transvaal, where they settled in an arc stretching from the Soutpansberg in the north, to Nelspruit and Barberton areas in the southeast, with isolated groups reaching as far westwards as Rustenburg.

After the death of Soshangane in 1856, his sons fought over the chieftainship. Soshangane had left the throne to Mzila, but Mawewe felt that he should be chief. Mawewe attacked Mzila and his followers, causing them to leave Mozambique and flee to the Soutpansberg Mountains in the Transvaal.

Mzila stayed with João Albasini at Luonde. Albasini, who had been appointed by the Portuguese Vice-Consul to the Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR) in 1858, employed many of the Tsonga men as 'indhuna' (headman), and defenders of his fort-like home at the foot of the Piesangkop near the modern town of Makhado (formerly known as Louis Trichardt).

Aided by Albasini and traders at Lourenço Marques, Mzila gained the upper hand, returning and defeating Mawewe in 1862. Mawewe fled to Swaziland, where he sought the help of King Mswati I, finally settling in northern Swaziland on the border with Gazaland. Ngungunyane, who succeeded Mzila, was defeated by the Portuguese in 1895, which caused the collapse of the Gaza kingdom.
The Tsonga came to João Albasini for protection and they considered Jiwawa (the Tsonga version of his name) as their chief. Between 1864 and 1867, the Tsonga were involved in the battles between Paul Kruger's commandos and the Venda chief Makhato. For their services they were rewarded some land near the town of Schoemansdal.

This area became known as the 'Knobneusen Location', because of the habit the Tsonga had acquired of tattooing the nose. Later the Shangaan people fled to the Lowveld after the Portuguese conquered them. The descendants of both Tsonga and Shangaan lived together in the area and a great deal of interaction occurred between the two groups.

The Tsonga-Shangaan homeland, Gazankulu, was carved out of northern Transvaal Province during the 1960s and was granted self-governing status in 1973. The homeland economy depended largely on gold and on a small manufacturing sector.
Only an estimated 500,000 people - less than half the Tsonga-Shangaan population of South Africa - ever lived there. Many others joined the throngs of township residents around urban centres, especially Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Traditionally, each Tsonga family had its own "village" composed of a few houses and a kraal, surrounded by the fields and grazing areas. From 1964, the government started resettling the people in rural villages of 200 to 400 families.

These resettlements brought tremendous changes in the life of the people, some for the better (roads, schools, water, etc), some for the worse (scattering of the enlarged family, lack of privacy, problems with cattle, distance form the fields, and so forth).

Source: http://www.krugerpark.co.za/africa_pedi.html


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Pedi People

Here is the Pedi people history as it has been written:

Introduction
Estimated at 7 million, these Sotho speakers are the second largest African language group in South Africa. Three million Sotho and other closely related groups live outside of South Africa, the majority of who are in Lesotho.

The Sotho can be subdivided into three groups. The first group is the Northern Sotho also called Pedi and Bapedi.

The Pedi society arose out of a confederation of small chiefdoms that had been established sometime before the 17th century in what later became the Northern Transvaal (Northern Province). Defeated early in the 19th century by the armies of Mzilikazi, they revived under the leadership of Sekwati. Thereafter, they repeatedly clashed with the Voortrekkers during the later half of the 19th century.

Historical Background
It appears that the Sotho people migrated southward from the Great Lakes in Central Africa about 5 centuries ago in successive waves and the last group, namely, the Hurutse, settled in the Western Transvaal towards the beginning of the 16th century.

It is from this group that the Pedi eventually originated through the Bakgatla offshoot that takes its name from the chief Mokgatla. Very little is known of the history of the Bakgatla people for the first few generations after their founder Mokgatla had withdrawn from the originating group, but it is known that, arising from a further split at a later date, a chief by the name of Tabane left with his followers and settled at what is now known as Schilpadfontein in the vicinity of Pretoria.

It is not known how long they lived there, but Tabane appears to have been succeeded by his son Motsha, whose son and heir Diale (or Liale) had a number of wives, the youngest of whom was his favourite, Mathobele. The other wives were jealous of her favoured position and when she was expecting her first child they would tease and mock her; saying that her child cried whilst still in her womb.

Mathobele gave birth to a healthy boy, and named him 'Lellelateng' meaning 'it cries inside', but the unusual event was attributed to witchcraft and the Kgatla council, wanted to kill the mother and child. Diale interceded for them and they were both saved.

However, as the baby grew older it became apparent that he would not be accepted by the tribe, and it seems that he and his family, together with a large following, broke away or were driven away and trekked to the east with their flocks and herds to start the Pedi nation.

They crossed the Olifants River below its junction with the Elands River and passed through the country north of Middelburg. They crossed the Lulu Mountains and eventually settled near Steelpoort in approximately 1650. From there, they gained control of trade routes running from the interior to the Mozambique coast, and started their reign over other Sotho speakers in the area.

By 1800 Thulare was the leader of the Pedi Empire in the northeastern Transvaal. His capital Manganeng lay on the Tubatse / Steelpoort River. The Pedi consisted of several tribes, who enjoyed great wealth under Thulare’s rule and he is still honoured as a great chief and leader to this day.

His death in 1824 – during a solar eclipse was followed by 2 years of disputes over his successor. There is some uncertainty as to Thulare's successor as about 1826, about 2 years after his death, the whole Pedi Empire was crushed and disrupted by Mzilikazi’s reign of terror throughout the Transvaal.

However, in the chaos that followed Sekwati, the senior living son of Thulare, gathered what he could of the Pedi and fled to the north where he took refuge with Ramapulana to whom the Pedi were related some 5 generations before.

He left behind him a country devastated by the Matabele who had completely stripped the land of all stock and grain. The remaining people of the old Pedi Empire had fled into the mountains and caves from where they would venture into the night to find whatever food they could.

Many of the people became cannibals and eventually, after an absence of about 4 years, Sekwati returned and reconstructed the dominance of the Pedi and rid their land of the cannibals. He established himself at Phiring near Pokwani on a rocky hill, which is known today as Magali's Location.
Although the Pedi originated from the Bakgatla and were of Sotho origin, their inter-marriage with other tribes by defeating them, ended up in the application of many other words in the Pedi language and customs which are not of Sotho origin, but which are akin to the Venda and Lovedu and the Karanga from Zimbabwe.

Sekwati's successor, Sekhukhune, initially consolidated the power of the Pedi, but years of drought and a series of attacks from the South African Republic and the Swazi chiefdom weakened the Pedi during the 1870s.

However, in 1845, the Voortrekkers, under Hendrik Potgieter, established a settlement at Ohrigstad in terms of a treaty with the Pedi. But this did not stop the Pedi from stealing their cattle, and soon there were problems with grazing rights and labour.
This situation deteriorated for many years until in 1876 the Voortrekkers waged war on the Pedi, under Sekhukhune. The Voortrekkers main objective was to capture the assets of the Pedi, however, their plans were thwarted by what could only be described as a 'trench system'. Thus the Voortrekkers had to lay siege and try to starve the Pedi into submission.

They harassed the Pedi in every way possible and impeded their crop cultivation and the grazing of their cattle. The Voortrekkers demanded 2 000 head of cattle as repayment, but Sekhukhune refused to pay. They had hoped for a quick peace, but this situation continued until the British annexed the Transvaal in April 1877.

In early 1878 the war was resumed - this time by the British under Theophilus Shepstone, who saw Sekhukhune as a hindrance to British Imperialist amitions in southern Africa. The war was divided into 3 phases.
The first phase was initiated by an attack on Sekhukhune's sister, Lekgolane, who, after leaving, rejoined her brother fearing he would attack her. But the British underestimated the Pedi resistance, which ended up in a standoff.

The second phase took place in August 1879 after the end of the Anglo-Zulu War when the British attacked Sekhukhune with a force of 139 infantry and 338 mounted men - all regular army. The Pedi ambushed them and, using the rugged mountainous terrain to their advantage, frustrated the British advance so much that they were forced to retreat to Fort Burgers.

The third and final phase took place after the Zulu War in November 1879 when 3 500 British regular troops and 3 000 Transvaal levies combined forces with 8 000 Swazi warriors to remove Sekhukhune from his kraal. While the British and the Transvalers made a frontal attack, the Swazi made a rear attack by swarming over the Pedi’s entrenched positions on the mountain.

In a battle lasting over 5 hours the Pedi were defeated. However, a number of them were able to escape and hide in the holes of a small, honeycombed hill, the Ntswaneng, from where they had to be smoked out.

When night fell, the few survivors escaped under a cover of mist and darkness. Sekhukhune was captured and sentenced to a long term of imprisonment, but when the British withdrew from the Transvaal after the first Anglo-Boer War, he was released.

In that same year, the Transvaal government seized much of the Pedi land and forced many to work as labourers on white-owned farms.
Social and Cultural Life

The Pedi lived in huts, which were round in shape and known as rondawels. Rondawels were made out of clay mixed with “boloko” (cow dung) in order to strengthen it. The roofing of the rondawels was made from a particular grass called “loala” which was strong and long, and they would pack the grass in bangles and roof the houses.

Traditional Pedi food consisted of; thophi (a meal which is made from maize mixed with a fruit called lerotse), morogo wa dikgopana (spinach cooked and given a round shape and left to dry up in the sun). Bogobe ba mabele, samp and maswi (milk), masonja (mopane worms) is also eaten as well as vegetables and fruits like milo and machilo.
In Pedi culture the chief would wear clothes made out of wild animal skin such as Leopard and Lion to show leadership and he was from the ruling house (moshate).

Ordinary people wore clothes made out of domestic animal skin such as goats, sheep and cows. However, the Pedi have changed their mode of dressing because of the present trends in fashion.

There are many spoken dialects of Sepedi but only one written language. The Pedi are known for storytelling. The stories are usually told in the evenings but nowadays radio and TV have replaced them.
War Tactics:

It could hardly be said that the Pedi were a warlike tribe, and it is difficult to determine whether they ever had the courage to fight a battle with a rival tribe. Pedi custom was to send men to the opposing tribe, for doctoring or of selling bead work but, in truth, they were spies who reported upon an opportunity for waging attack on the kraal.

The chief would then summon all the men of his tribe to assemble with their weapons, which mainly consisted of assegais and battle-axes. The men were aware of the need to bring food supplies for the duration of the journey.

It did not take long to for the men to assemble, and the whole of the Pedi army would set off in the opposite direction to their destination which was kept secret from the main following until the second night, when suddenly the course would be changed and they would rush on to the targeted kraal.
The attack was made stealthily and no prisoners were taken, except the women and children. In most cases the attacks were effective and a great deal of bloodshed resulted. Unlike the Zulus and the Matabele, to whom the art of war and military strategy was a science and military discipline was a way of life; the military organization of the Pedi was very primitive.

Each man in a Pedi tribe provided for himself and followed his own ideas as to what he should do. Tactics were formulated by the chief in council, and the execution of the tactics was assigned to the chief's brother, who took on the task of active command over the tribesmen.

All the cattle looted were handed to the man in command, who made sure that a third was slaughtered, a third was sent to the chief's kraal and the remaining third to be handed back to the men who had looted the opposing tribe. Women and children were regarded as loot and divided among the followers of the chief.
Belief System
The Pedi believe in ancestors and gods, they believe that through ancestors they can talk to gods about their needs. They also believe that when the time is right young men and women should go to initiation school.

They also reckoned that anyone who violates how things are done concerning culture and their tradition is to be taken away from the village.
Pedi Rituals:

When it comes to marriage the elders would choose the spouse for their son or daughter. If the parents knew their child liked someone in the village they would go to that family and introduce themselves, to discuss the future nuptials. And thereafter arrangements would be made on how the two people would meet.

A decision would then be made by the girl’s parents as to how many cows or money will be paid as Bogadi, then the 2 may be together. If a man died, an unmarried younger brother would marry the widow, in order to support the family and take care of the children.
The mother usually gave birth at her family home and after she returned to her husband’s home, her family would contribute meat and beer for the subsequent feast. As a tribute to the status of the new mother, her husband would build her a homestead. When a baby was born to the chief the villagers have to go to the royal house (moshate), give presents to the child, and wish the baby well.

After a few days there would be an announcement from the chief’s servants that a ceremonial party would be held whereby the villagers would sing and rejoice for the newborn baby with food and drink that is traditionally prepared.
When a person dies they bury him / her after 7 days so that they could have enough time to arrange everything including informing the friends, relatives and all the people who need to know about the death of that particular person. This was in order to give them time to be able to attend to the funeral.

The day before the person is going to be buried they will cover him / her with cow skin. Everybody will then get a chance to see that person for the last time (go tlhoboga), and the following day he / she will be buried.
Music and Dance:

Songs were also part of Pedi culture. During hard labour the Pedi would sing together to finish the job quickly. One particular song was about killing a Lion to become a man.

The act of killing a Lion is very unusual and no longer practised. Actually it was so unusual that if a boy managed, he would get high status and the ultimate prize – to marry the chief’s daughter.
The Pedi today
In the 1950s a Pedi migrant workers' organisation (Sebatakgomo) tried to cast out chiefs, headmen and others who accepted Bantu authorities and rural betterment programmes. In 1958 a major protest took place in Sekhukhuneland in which those who sought to defend the chieftainship were challenged by the new forces.

The Northern Sotho homeland of Lebowa was proclaimed a 'self-governing' territory in 1972, with a population of almost 2 million. Economic problems plagued the poverty-stricken homeland, however, and the people were not unified.
Lebowa's chief minister, Cedric Phatudi, struggled to maintain control over the increasingly disgruntled homeland population during the early 1980s, his death in 1985 opened new factional splits and occasioned calls for a new homeland government.

Homeland politics were complicated by the demands of several ethnic minorities within Lebowa to have their land transferred to the jurisdiction of another homeland. At the same time, government efforts to consolidate homeland territory forced the transfer of several small regions of land into Lebowa. Conflict broke out again in 1986 in what had by then become the Bantustan of Lebowa.

Source: http://www.krugerpark.co.za/africa_pedi.html

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Obama is not Christ

There is only one person in this planet who embraces responsibilities of what happens to human kind. That person is the savior of the masses and he delivers people from shambles irrespective of which part of the country. He is the father of every human kind and he died on the cross for our sins. That person is Jesus Christ, under no circumstances can Obama takes his place.

I remember during and a short while after the election of the United State of America 44th president, the Africans and the rest of the world expectations were sky high. It was an inspiration for many people around the world for various reasons.

I find it iniquitous for Africans to put so much expectation to Obama while he has his own country to run. Perhaps Africans are forgeting that it is the survival of the fittest, the war in the jungle. Obama is just an African by blood but most importantly he is a US president. He may not under any circumstances prioritise African issues over American problems otherwise he might experience a revolt from his own people. Recall, Thabo Mbeki, our second South African democratic president was once accused of putting more focus on Africa's problems rather South Africans.

In the same vein, I'm convinced that Obama will formulate and maintain policies that benefit his country. Africa will not suddenly become the most important foreign topic for the U S. Many Africans still believe that a new and more equal relationship with the US is possible under Obama leadership. Can Africans really expect a major reversal of policy under Barrack Obama? Humm! We will just have to wait and see.

Obama first trip to Africa took him to Ghana. It was understandable although other African countries were surprised by Obama choice to visit Ghana over other African countries. Ghana is a stable, functioning democracy, and has a relatively good human rights record, it's an aberration among many African nations.

Many Africans also thought Obama would obviously attend the first African World Cup as he understand what it meant for Africa to be hosting such a gigantic event in the world. Once again their expectations were not contented. I think we are always on tenterbook for something that is far beyond us. Time is ripe for Africans to start solving their critical problems by themselves, Africa rise from the ashes. It's up to us to stop HIV/AIDS, Poverty and many other challanges.

I would like to see my self as a president one day, but I hate to be one day in Obama's shoes. Every one from every corner of the world expecting you to save them? That's a lot of pressure one could bear.

Obama is only human, lets give him time!!


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Shame On You

The society is rapidly loosing moral ground. Teachers are regarded as leaders for the youth; they impart knowledge and contribute vastly to the development of society. Hence, I find it unacceptable that teachers would rob teenagers their youth by engaging in sexual activities. Parents place children in the care of teachers because they are supposed to be trusted species and only advancing agenda to develop potentials for the young stars in the society.

I’m saying this because On the 15th October 2010 I read a shocking story from Sowetan online, written by Hendrick Mphande where by a 38 year old teacher was arrested after allegedly caught red-handed having sex with a 13 year old pupil. Can you imagine a 38 year old engaging in sexual activities with a 13 year old? It makes one to agree with the saying that says “Growing up is a compulsory, but maturity is a choice”

Education or (School) is one of the major institutions of society that determine kinship. Schools should be grooming children to become tomorrow’s better leaders. When school as a social institution is weaker it produces disorganised members of society and destruction in our country. Schools are one of the first places where kids’ behaviour and future educational success is shaped; children spend a lot of time with their teachers. Teachers are carriers of either positive or negative behaviour towards students. So we can not let this very institution that contribute so much in our lives be corrupted by the antisocial, the South African justice system must callously deal with paedophile teachers.


I also read a study published in the British Medical Journal (The Lancet) with a great dismay. The study reveals that a high proportion of rape in schools one-third of rapes of young girls in South Africa are carried out by school teachers. According to the survey, 85% of children who were raped were between 10 and 14 years old. That’s betrayal at its peak by teachers if you may ask me. I think DOGS are even better than THEM (Teachers) by far; because they do not have sex with their young ones at the tender age.

Rape or Sexual abuse is a big crime that can actually take the victims life away. Well, according to my observation, sexually abused children can resort to many things. It does not need an eagled eye to notice that children resort to prostitution, drugs, alcoholic etc. I perceived such things happening and I said to myself, we need tough laws for the paedophiles. Perhaps we can even go the Saudi Arabian way. Saudi Arabia follows a strict interpretation of Islam that demands the death penalty for murder, rape, drug trafficking and armed robbery. Why not if it can help us? Perhaps the perpetrators would think twice before committing a crime.

As a prospect parent, I’m tremulous in terror, I can not conceive the pain I would suffer if it was my daughter who was abused by people whom I thought were the one to save her from harm. Judging by the look of things, this world is coming to an end. We do not know who to trust anymore. It’s either your child is raped by a RELATIVE (the person who should always be there for you), a NEIGHBOUR (A person who can help when you require immediate help or emergency), PRIEST (a person who should give you counselling when such horrible things happens) and a TEACHER (a person who should look after your kids at school)




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How lucky the chilians miners were

I saw the vedio footage on morning live SABC 2 on the 13th october 2010 as they winched one of the trapped miners to the surface through a narrow ascape shaft. It was very emotional. We are luck to have wittness this kind miracles in our lifetime. It is a testimony that God is Great and Powerful than all things. Who would have thought that those 33 miners would have made it thus far? More than two months 622 meters (2,041 feet) blow the surface and still alive and looking healthy? Its a miracle.

Thanx to South African Construction Company Murray&Roberts and other rescures. Also thank the Chile Government for being able to deal with such quandary, I wish other government could learn a thing or two from you. Thank you God for sparing those traped miners lifes.

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I also believe that Information is power

As I was sitting at home under a nice and shaddy tree wondering how i could make magic to change my life around. I stared at a nearby cracked window pane thinking "Here I am at Mpheni Village needing information on how I could get to the University, Who can help me? Where can I get money to finance my studies?"

when I was growing up I was hopeless, I didn't even dream of what i would like to be after completing grade 12 (matric). I just wanted to pass my matric and be like the few in the family. The financial dropping out of one of my relative after his first year from University deepen the fear. I didnt want to attempt the University, I never want to end up like him, that made me to not even want to ask him anything concerning Universities because it would have made the matter worse.

Yes, information is power. After passing my Grade 12 with an examption I saw my self as a young South African on the way up the ladder of success. But I did not have a clue of where to get help. Things eventually worked out, like they say "when the going gets tough, the tough get going". I visited one of the teachers in the neighborhood who happened to be a family friend. She gave me a booklet containing information about South African Universities and also explicitly explained how people like me could access University.

It made me believe in Metthew Lesko's words that "those who have information are the most powerful people on the planet". Today I am what I am because of that piece of information. Yes, that information liberated me from my misery.


I also full concur with one artist the of Venda Tshingondo music called Zozo who say that " u sa divha zwi fana na ufa" meaning "if u lack information, you are as good as dead". Because this also reminds me of someone I know who passed his grade 12 with distinctions but because he lacked information, he was compelled to sit around doing nothing. These are people who should be enjoying fruits of their hard work.


Yes, I believe it, information is power, dont be discouraged by your background as Darvyl Campbell says " winners are too busy to be sad, too positive to be doubtful, too optimistic to be fearful and too determined to be defeated".

Child Grants not a Solution for poverty alleviation

I would like to acknowledge the SA government effort in the fight against poverty but child grant to me is fruitless. According to my observation, I have seen parents who misuse children grants for their personal needs while children are suffering.

How would it be if the government set up the child trust fund instead of child grant by the very same money they are dishing out each and every month. Through this trust Fund the government can send every child a voucher for those families who qualifies.
The money can be put in trust for the future of the children with the stipulation that it can not be withdrawn by the child, parents or any other party until the child turns 18 instead of wasting tax payers’ money by child grants that are not rightly used for maintenance of children.

The rationale behind this would be to save for children so that they can have large enough fund to help with their education cost especially university. We have quiet large number of matriculants who pass their exams well but fail to access University and still have no solutions, we have large number of drop out and still no solution, students are fighting for free education at university level and still we do not have solution. Last time I check the child grant was R190.00 per month, surely this is a large amount of money that can help a great deal if saved for the right purpose. When making my calculations, if you start to save R190.00 form child’s birth, by the time he/she is 18 years of age the money would be plus minus R41040 and with this money a child can register and complete studies with the assistance of NSFAS. So it means that the child will not depend heavily on NSFAS which is just a lone.


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The Mamba Bites

Swaziland Justice Minister Ndumiso Mamba love affair with one of king Mswati’s wives is par to the course. Queen Nothando Dube, the King’s 12th wife would dress in a military uniform to slip out of the palace and meet Mamba in a hotel. To me it is a sure sign of starvation because she had to sacrifices herself, I mean we do not expect that kind of act from a married women. But she dressed her self in a military uniform just for sex?

I’m also not surprised that the Queen slept with the childhood friend of her husband, these things happens more often. A women is like a female Animal when is on heat, she can do anything because she is desperate and vulnerable. If a woman does not get what she wants the history has always proven that she can go to another man for satisfaction, she can sleep with your best friend or even your gardener. It is evident that the queen was not satisfied with her husband because it is alleged that this act has been happening every time the king was not around.

It is also arguable that some of these 14 wives are doing the same. Some men can’t even satisfy one wife most especially at their forties. I don’t think Mswati has a magic, surely some of these women are likely to be neglected at night. Just imagine if she had to wait for her turn after 12 others. The other problem is because these queens are still young, most of them at their 20’s, so you can understand the sexual desire they find themselves in.


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Muvhango must get their house on order

It is beyond me that Duma Ndlovu, who also owns Word of Mouth Production, could blame the SABC for his financial woes after Muvhango being on air for round about 10 years. I hate to say this but that is how we Africans are, greedy and stingy. When we seize opportunities, we only see a chance to leave large on the expense of others. We either rob our employees or not pay them at all. What happened to saving for the rainy days, a company like Word of Mouth must know better and stop treating actors like slaves.


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Thank you Tata Nelson Mandela

May God Almighty continues to bless the Icon of humanity, "Tata" Nelson mandela and his descendents for what he has done in our country and the world. And may he see many years to come. I still can't belive that after so much pains and sufferings one could have forgiven and reconciled that easily. Surely many of us would have opted for revenge immediately after being in government. We are living in a country where revenge, vengeance and racial discrimination are rife. Remember the white students who made black workers eat food which had been urinated on, when whites killing innocents blacks mistaken them for with Baboons, remember the recent kill the Boer kill the Farmer by the youth president. All these incidents are happening long post the apartheid government. Surely none of us is like the great man "Tata" who spent his sixty seven (67) years fighting for fredom in which 27 years he spent in jail.

I was horrified to have learnt that just few days before we could wish and celebrate Mandela 92 birth day , some were already wishing him dead. How do you paint a living person dead?. The cartoon by Yiull Damasco which appeared on Mail and Guardian was an insult and a disgrace to our icon and the nation. As much as i'm cognizant with the freedom of expression, I think the cartoonist should have exercised media ethics at his work. Anyway let me not ruin my day by this irresponsible cartoonist who does not have conscience.

There are so many things that I have learnt from our Icon. Some being that we must show compassion to the people who are suffering, not only compassion but actually do something to help them in their plight. He made me realise and believe my capabilities as a person. I have learnt that even though I'm not rich or working, I can actually help out those in their plight because it's not only about money. I'm sure Venda people will concur that "67 minute7 of Mandela day" it's not something new in the Venda culture (we used to have Davha), in fact it actually revives our culture. In the olden day in vhavenda cuture, if a neighbor is having a function, the community in the neighborhood would team up and go and help that person, whether is about plowing the fields for crops, what ever the function it may be. At the end of that function the person concerned would buy just a mere sweataid and prepare it for the people to drink. The mandela day takes a different shape because you dont need to be invited, you must feel it from the bottom of your heart that you need to act to change the world.

As we celebrate your birth day we also thank you for your tremendous work in bringing the 2010 FIFA world cup to Africa let alone South Africa. We thank you that, in your old age you still have the courage and passion to fight for the country. You braved the plummeting Johannesburg weather by gracing the closing ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, yes you did all these for the love of the nation.

Happy birth day Tata, and wish you many years to come. Your stories will be forever told to the generations' and generations to come. Your name will never be forgotten for the centuries and centuries to come for the good work you have done in this world.

Happy birthday!! Ndaa!!!

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