Davhana clan celebrate its heritage

By Bernard Chiguvare

The Davhana clan celebrated Davhana Heritage Day on Saturday, 25 February. Although members of the Davhana clan are scattered all over Limpopo Province, many of them gathered next to the grave site in the Nesengani area for the occasion.

This year’s celebrations were attended by more than 100 people, including members from the Freedom Park Heritage Site, the Amazizi Traditional Council in the Eastern Cape and other traditional chiefs.

“We must learn to live the African way. It’s the only way to live in freedom and with dignity,” said Thovhele Vho-Ndivheni Nesengani II. “Today, we are here to educate and celebrate the Davhana tribe’s unique cultural and natural heritage.

community. “As traditional leaders, we are excited to have this church in the village. We rely on your prayers for a just rule, and please continue praying for peace and development in our village,” she said.

The event also served to commemorate the church’s three-year existence. A huge cake was cut in celebration.

Lalumbe said the occasion was the culmination of a prophesy by the late pensioner Mr Masala Nekhwevha, who used to call him “senior pastor” when he was still a very junior pastor at the Lutheran Church. “I thought it was impossible, but in all this I have seen God’s grace. I know his grace is sufficient for me to lead his people and that his promises are faithful and He will continue to lead me,” he said.

Maswie still waiting for promised classrooms

By Bernard Chiguvare

The Limpopo Department of Basic Education did not seem to keep their promise to deliver mobile classrooms to Maswie Secondary School by February this year after all. This commitment was made last year after the Tshakhuma branch of the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) had raised the issue with the department. The school’s Grade 10 learners were especially affected by the lack of classroom space.

In the previous report by Limpopo Mirror on the situation at the school last year, 77 Grade 10 learners were already sharing a single classroom. Subjects such as social sciences, mathematics and physical science were conducted outside, under the trees. This year, the Grade 10 class stands at 106 learners, who all have to be squeezed into one classroom.

Mr Joel Mulaudzi, the secretary of SANCO Tshakhuma, said that they were very disappointed when they followed up on progress for the mobile class- rooms with the Vhembe West Education Department on Monday, 20 February. “When we raised this same issue of a need for mobile classrooms last year, the department promised to start delivering the mobile classrooms in February this year. Now they have extended it to April this year. The situation is dire, as the enrolment this year has increased considerably. The school is also in need of more desks and chairs,” he said. “The future of our children is being compromised. We do not know what to do anymore. If there are any mobile classrooms that are not in use at any of the schools in the province, we request the department to deliver them to our school as the situation is not conducive for the learners,” he added.

Since the day of my inauguration, it has been my purpose, together with my grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, to ensure that I lead in honour of the great warrior Davhana. As a senior traditional leader, I have to make sure that there is a link between what history means now and what lessons we can learn from the past, as this can truly shape our future.”

Nesengani said he had a vision, not only for his clan but for the whole country. He encouraged his clan to continue appreciating and protecting the ancient sites, such as Mount Luvhola where their ancestors were buried, and educate communities on the importance of conservation and to create an attractive environment where foreign investors could invest in small to medium enterprises owned by youths and women.

Princess Azola Mabinza from the Amazizi Traditional Council said: “I am really impressed by the way the Davhana youths respect this day. This shows they are well aware of where they come from. It shows that this generation will not lose its identity.”

Ms Jane Mufamadi, the chief executive officer of the Freedom Park Heritage Site, also voiced her appreciation of the event. “Besides celebrating their heritage, the event brings different communities together, contributing to social cohesion and nation building. It is interesting to see that Thovhele Vho-Nesengani has invited other chiefs from as far as the Eastern Cape. This is also an exchange of culture. If it is promoted properly, it will further contribute to heritage tourism,” she said.

Guests were treated to traditional cultural dances, like the tshigombela, tshikona and malende

A bit of love for animals

Chiguvare.

Mr Mike Maringa, spokesperson for the Limpopo Department of Basic Education, said the roll-out of mobile classrooms was starting at Lwaphungu Secondary School this week (20 February) and extended to other schools in need. Schools will be contacted by their district circuit education offices when their orders are ready.

The Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre at Ridgeway Preparatory in Louis Trichardt used the “Month of Love” and the celebration of Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to share their passion and commitment to the local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). They are collecting as many cans or bags of food as possible, so that these can be donated to our fourlegged friends. “Ridgeway Preparatory believes in our community and remains committed to ensuring that our wonderful culture of support and sharing is embedded into the next generation,” said the centre. The learners will drop off these items as they hope to spend a few minutes with the SPCA team. “This ties in well with the theme of domestic animals, which is an integral part of the curriculum, along with other themes done throughout the year that are always linked to community outreach and specifically equip learners to be aware and contribute positively in our community,” said the centre. Photo supplied.