Latest news with #UniversityofVenda
The Citizen
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Nsikazi hip-hop artist drops 12-track mixtape
An up-and-coming hip-hop artist has released a 12-track mixtape, titled Not Yet, which dropped on May 25. Bhato Ndlovu (23), known by his stage name Saddis, said the project has received positive feedback, especially on social media. 'The mixtape is about love, struggling with trauma, self-improvement and confidence,' said Ndlovu. He described the songs as meaningful and relatable, highlighting tracks such as 'Walls' featuring Yung TJ, 'Missing Pieces', 'Those Days' featuring Munhle, and 'Trying' featuring Bkay Jr. ALSO READ: Young Mpumalanga stars head to national school winter games Ndlovu said he has been working on this mixtape since March last year. His passion for rap led him into music production in 2017, when he recorded his first-ever (unreleased) song using only his phone. 'I felt alive when I recorded it, not even aware of my capabilities and future in music,' he said. He draws inspiration from artists such as Zakwe, MT Vernacular MC and Eminem, who have all influenced him as a songwriter. One of his early achievements includes airplay on Ligwalagwala FM. ALSO READ: Driekoppies muso to enrich talent across the province Ndlovu is currently a second-year language student at the University of Venda. He hopes to one day collaborate with South African hip-hop artists such as A-Reece and Emtee. Not Yet is available on all major digital streaming platforms, including YouTube and Spotify. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
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. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Eyewitness News
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
'Resilient, and a man of unwavering principle' - President Cyril Ramaphosa pays tribute to anti-apartheid activist, Reverent Tshenuwani Farisani
JOHANNESBURG - Resilience - the word many used to describe the late reverend Tshenuwani Farisani - a respected anti-apartheid activist and former member of Parliament. Mourners, including senior government officials, gathered at the University of Venda in Thohoyandou, Limpopo on Saturday to honour the man who they say never wavered in his fight for liberation. ALSO READ: Dr Tshenuwani Farisani remembered as a dedicated public servant Farisani passed away on Thursday at the age of 76, following an undisclosed illness. President Cyril Ramaphosa, who delivered the eulogy, reflected on Farisani's courage, recalling how he was arrested three times during Apartheid for his activism. In 1987, Farisani went into exile in the United States, but later returned - a move Ramaphosa has described as a powerful symbol of his commitment to justice and freedom. "He was a man of unwavering principle, nothing could sway him from what was right, from his dedication to the cause, the people of South Africa and their total emancipation."
IOL News
08-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Ramaphosa and ANC leaders pay tribute to struggle stalwart Dr Dean Tshenuwani Farisani
President Cyril Ramaphosa and other ANC leaders have paid tribute to Dr Tshenuwani Farisani who was given a special official funeral on Saturday Image: Presidency President Cyril Ramaphosa has described ANC stalwart, Dr Tshenuwani Dean Farisani as a dedicated public servant, a mentor and a man who committed his life to uplifting disadvantaged communities. Ramaphosa delivered the eulogy at Farisani's funeral, held at the University of Venda in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, on Saturday where scores of mourners including Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba, minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and many other dignitaries paid their last respects to the revered ANC stalwart during a Special Official Provincial Funeral Category Two. "Here is a reflective message. A funeral of a man of highest stature. As we say farewell to this remarkable soul. We should celebrate a life that is well-lived. A life that is lived with conviction. with purpose and extra-ordinary vision. Dean Farisani was not just a leader in title, but a beacon of hope, integrity and justice and he adhered to his principles. We honour him for that, and we thank him for having been such as great gift," he said. During his eulogy, Ramaphosa also described Farisani as a visionary who was committed to fighting poverty and empowering poor communities stating: "Dean Farisani soon became attracted to liberation theology, and its message that the true Christian faith demands active resistance to all forms of oppression and solidarity with the poor.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Ramathuba described Farisani as a father figure who will be remembered as someone who was close to the poor and chose to live among them. "Ordinary people from all walks of life, especially in this province will be described as a father who raised us. I can attest to his teachings which shaped many of us. If you look at the Lutheran church, most of us who are active politically, it was mainly his teaching which groomed us to understand what the meaning of serving is, "she said. "Today we honour the memory of Reverend Tshenuwani Simon Farisani, a monumental figure in the revolution and an altruistic leader who devoted his life to the struggle and the pursuit of an improved life for our citizen "He mobilised the entire church to fight apartheid. We did not celebrate him enough during his lifetime. As we lay him to rest, we need to commit ourselves that we will not allow his contribution to be diminished," said Ntshaveni. Last week, on hearing for the former Speaker of the Limpopo Provincial Legislature's death, Ramaphosa expressed his deep sadness at the passing of the renowned theologian, freedom fighter, and human rights activist, who passed away at 76 following an illness.
Eyewitness News
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Ramaphosa pays tribute to anti-apartheid activist and reverend, Dr Tshenuwani Farisani
JOHANNEBSURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to anti-apartheid activist and reverend, Dr Tshenuwani Farisani, describing him as an extraordinary man who will be dearly remembered. Ramaphosa was speaking at Farisani's funeral at the University of Venda in Thohoyandou, Limpopo. The reverend is being honoured with a special official provincial funeral. Family, mourners and top government officials, including president Ramaphosa and Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, gathered to pay their final respects to reverend Farisani. A Lutheran minister and black consciousness activist, Farisani played a key role in the struggle against Apartheid. His activism led to his appointment as a member of Parliament and later Speaker of the Limpopo provincial legislature in 2004. The 76-year-old died on Thursday after suffering from an undisclosed illness. President Ramaphosa said: "These experiences instilled in him a deep sense of understanding injustice. It was planted in the mind and the head of Dr Farisani, the seeds of political consciousness when he was still a teen." He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son.
