Vhembe crafters recognised during ATAS awards

By Silas Nduvheni

On Saturday, 25 February, rural-based crafters from around the Vhembe region got to showcase their creative work during an arts and crafts awards function, initiated by a non-profit organisation that supports artists, the Afrika Tshipembe Artists Support (ATAS). The purpose of the function, which was held at the Khoroni Hotel, was to give recognition and encouragement to

ATAS, said their organisation had been started in 2020, shortly after the outbreak of Covid-19, which had deprived many artists of their livelihood.

They not only support crafters, but all types of artists, from painters to musicians.

“The organisation was funded by the National Arts Council to implement a project for marginalised crafters, through which we help them to create more jobs and to transfer their skills to the next person,” he said.

The awards function presented five different categories, namely Visual Art – won by Mr Nndwamato Tshivhandekano; Wood Carving and Sculptures – won by Mr Owen Ndou; Traditional Beadwork – won by Ms Rofhiwa Mushiana; Pottery – won by Ms Makwarela Makahane, and Crochet Design –won by Ms Tshikhetho Muroka.

The winners in each category went home with R5 000. The runners-up each received R2 000 and R1 000 respectively.

Mr Vincent Netshivhodza from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture told the crafters that his department, who preserved and promoted art, was excited to see them exhibiting their products.

Mr Nndwamato Tshivhandekano, winner in the Visual Art category, is a sketch artist and painter.

He was thankful to ATAS for recognising their craftwork and said the awards definitely inspired him and the others to do more.

The station’s programme manager, Ms Sharon Ravele, said that when the radio station had started, its mission had been to provide a vibrant community radio station that could act as a platform from which the wishes and aspirations of the listeners could be freely expressed, and to act as a source of education and information for the broader community of the area.

Ravele promised that the station would always take care of all its listeners and strive to make them happy. In celebrating their 58th anniversary on radio, they felt they should do something for their loyal clients, the listeners. “This station would not be what it is today without the listeners, and we brought them together to get to know each other. We tend to take what is dear to us for granted.”

She said the effectiveness of radio stations lay in the support they got from their stakeholders and the communities they served. “We wish to thank our local businesses, faith-based institutions and individuals. We are proud of our listeners as they continue to support our station and participate daily in our shows and events. We remain firm in being an endearing and friendly radio station that is always readily accessible, relevant, and a custodian of the Tshivenda language and culture, which we aim to preserve, promote and protect,” Ravele said.

Indigenous knowledge becomes source of income for Livhuwani Makungo

Livhuwani Makungo of Makonde village, north of Thohoyandou, is a true example of how indigenous knowledge can be passed on from one generation to benefit another.

Since Livhuwani can remember, her mother, Vho-Nyadzanga Makungo, has been known for making the best mabundu (traditional mageu) among the local brewers. Although the recipe is undocumented, Vho-Nyadzanga managed to pass her skills on to her daughter, who now make a living through brewing and selling mabundu along the busy Makonde/Tshilamba road.

Livhuwani said that when she was born 37 years ago, her mother had already been a well-known mabundu and mafhafhe (traditional beer) brewer. “Our home was always full of people, some from afar, who came to enjoy mabundu and mafhafhe

Sometimes we helped our mother with the brewing, not knowing that one day this would become a source of income.”

She said that when her mother grew old, she stopped brewing mafhafhe and concentrated on mabundu only. “Age was no longer on her side, so I had to jump in because I had learnt all the tricks when we helped her at home. She could no longer carry a bucket of mabundu to the busy road because of her advanced age. Today, she smiles happily as I make the delicious mabundu under her watch. Furthermore, I don’t have to rely on someone else to survive because mabundu provides enough for us to put food on the table.”

Vho-Nyadzanga said she was happy that one of her daughters was carrying on her legacy. “Most of the young people these days do not care about indigenous knowledge, but I am happy that my legacy will live on, even when I depart from this earth. There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing something you started taken over by your own child. I encourage other children to tap indigenous knowledge from their parents and guardians while they are still alive. That way, we will be able to preserve our traditions and heritage,” she said.

FM presenters and guests cutting their 58th birthday celebration cake at Tshiawelo on Saturday, 25 February. Photo supplied.

Pastor Lalumbe consecrated as Bishop of Rugged Cross Church

By Elmon Tshikhudo

The president of the Arch of God Foundation International, Archbishop-elect Mmbangiseni Ratshitanga, has urged the newly consecrated Bishop of the Rugged Cross Christian Church at Maniini to lead an exemplary life to bring many others to the fold of God.

Ratshitanga, who is the chief consecrator, performed the official rites during the consecration ceremony of Pastor Lutendo Lalumbe at the Rugged Cross Christian Church Maniini on Saturday, 25 February. Lalumbe became the first bishop of the church that was founded in 2020. The ceremony drew pastors, bishops, traditional leader of the area, community members and many other guests.

The 47-year-old bishop, who is the senior coordinator: moral regeneration, youth and children’s programmes at the Thulamela Municipality, was ordained as pastor in 2013. In consecrating Lalumbe, Archbishop Ratshitanga said Lalumbe’s ascension to bishophood came with great responsibility.

“You have been called to lead and this higher position comes with many more responsibilities. The whole church will be looking up to you for direction. Lead by example and stay away from the foreign cultures where congregants are made to drink petrol and eat snakes and grass, all of which are bringing the name of the church into disrepute,” he said.

On behalf of the Mmbi Royal Council, Ms Rudzani Daswa called on the church to play an active part in the