In a vibrant celebration of culture, diplomacy, and academic collaboration, the University of Venda (UNIVEN) and Kabarak University (Kenya) brought together royal heritage and scholarly exchange during a historic visit to the Mphaphuli Royal Council on 8 April 2025.
Welcomed by the esteemed Vho-Thovhele Gole Mphaphuli and the Royal Council, the visit was a ceremonial yet meaningful gesture aimed at strengthening regional ties, promoting African unity, and honouring traditional leadership. The programme was led by Dr Takalani Dzaga, APR, Director of Marketing, Branding and Communication at UNIVEN.
The day began with a formal and colourful entourage procession of guests, Thovhele Mphaphuli, councillors, poets, and traditional dancers/ performers, marking the spirit of cultural celebration that underpinned the entire event.
Royal Council representatives, Muhali Vho-Tshimange opened the proceedings with heartfelt welcoming remarks, and highlighted the partnership between the University of Venda and Kabarak University in Kenya, emphasising the importance of cultural exchanges and collaboration. She mentioned the selection of participants from remote rural areas to showcase their traditions, including the Tshikona dance from Tshaulu village, a cultural performance rooted in the rural community.
She also reiterated the significance of the partnership with the University of Ven-da in fostering cultural understanding and preserving local customs across 76 villag-es setting the stage for an engaging series of introductions led by Dr Dzaga and Royal Council delegates. A captivating traditional dance performance and an insightful historical narrative about the Mphaphuli dynasty gave guests an enriching cultural immersion.
In his closing remarks, Prof Henry Kiplangat emphasised the importance of collabora-tive leadership, cultural pride, and academic exchange in nation-building and youth de-velopment. He further expressed deep appreciation to His Majesty for the warm hos-pitality received during their visit. He highlighted the collaboration between Kabarak University and the University of Venda in music and culture preservation, emphasis-ing the importance of culture in shaping values and prosperity. Prof Kiplangat also com-mended the community for maintaining their cultural heritage, particularly their language, and stressed the role of music in preserving culture concluding by wishing prosperity to the region under His Majesty’s leadership and expressing gratitude for the hospitality.
Thovhele Gole Mphaphuli, His Royal Highness of the Mphaphuli tribe expressed deep pride in the rich cultural heritage of his people, highlighting traditional dances like Tshikona as vi-tal expressions of identity, history, and unity. He emphasised the evolving role of culture in modern society and the importance of integrating traditional wisdom with academ-ic knowledge. Celebrating the signing of an MoU between the Mphaphuli tribe and the Uni-versity of Venda, he underscored the value of this partnership in fostering educational op-portunities, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding. He concluded by welcoming all delegates and encouraging meaningful engagement with the community’s traditions.
The visit programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Muhali Vho-Tshi-mange a fitting end to a day that beautifully blended heritage with higher learning.
This visit marked not just a ceremonial exchange, but a reaffirmation of shared values, mu-tual respect, and the role of traditional leadership in shaping a progressive African future.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
