10-07-2025
Venda youth crowned in cultural heritage contest
Quick read
Khumbudzo Managa and Zwonaka Mabada were crowned Venda king and queen at the Indoni SA My Heritage My Pride selection event.
They will represent the Venda Kingdom at the Indoni SA 2025 national finals in KwaZulu-Natal this December.
The event promoted Vhavenda culture, youth empowerment, and traditional values through song, dance, and heritage education.
Full story
LIMPOPO – Ululations, traditional songs and vibrant dances filled the air as Khumbudzo Managa and Zwonaka Mabada were crowned queen and king of the Venda Kingdom during the 'Indoni SA My Heritage My Pride' finalist selection event.
The event was held at the Professor Ralushai Auditorium in the Thohoyandou Library Centre on Saturday.
The two will go on to represent the Venda Kingdom at the prestigious Indoni SA My Heritage My Pride 2025 national competition, which will be held in Richmond Indoni village, KwaZulu-Natal this December.
The event celebrated the richness of Vhavenda culture and tradition, as finalists showcased their talent, creativity and commitment to preserving their heritage. Judges faced a difficult task selecting the winners due to the high calibre of participants.
Shonisani Mutengwe, the chairperson of the Indoni SA initiative in the Venda Kingdom, congratulated the newly crowned king and queen.
'We are proud of Khumbudzo and Zwonaka for being selected. This competition is about promoting heritage and culture, showing respect to elders, singing, and dancing traditional songs. They are perfect ambassadors for our community.'
Mutengwe highlighted the broader purpose of Indoni, which goes beyond the pageantry. Young participants are taught traditional skills and values, such as how their ancestors lived, how to prepare traditional dishes like 'vhuswa ha mikonde, mashonzha' (mopani worms) and 'muroho wa zwigwada'.
She added that the programme educates youths about the dangers of alcohol abuse and teenage pregnancy, and encourages them to lead responsible lives rooted in culture.
One of the important components of the Indoni programme includes visits to traditional leaders, where youths learn about customary marriage practices, leadership succession and the installation of traditional leaders in Vhavenda society.
Quincy Maladze from the Thulamela Arts Council also praised the finalists.
'It's an honour to witness young people so passionate about preserving our culture. To the newly crowned king and queen, know that you are not just representing yourselves, but the entire Venda nation. Go and make us proud in KwaZulu-Natal.'
Queen Khumbudzo Managa (23), born in Tshakhuma Maguvhuni near Thohoyandou, is a third-year in business management student at the University of Venda (Univen). Speaking after her win, she said she was 'over the moon' to be chosen.
'I've always had a love for Tshivenda culture, singing and praise poetry since my school days at Mavhungu Andries. This opportunity means a lot to me,' she said.
Managa plans to visit schools in Vhembe to promote cultural awareness and participation in Indoni activities.
She hopes that increased engagement in cultural practices can help to reduce challenges facing youth, such as alcohol abuse and teenage pregnancy.
'Through Indoni, we can inspire young people to value their roots and make better life choices,' she said.
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