POLOKWANE – He was one of the fighters who competed at the recent Phalaphala FM Royal Gardens Heritage Festival and King Toni Mphephu Ramabulana Fun Walk. During these festivities, Musangwe, a form of bare-knuckle boxing, formed an integral part of the activities.
“Some people use muthi to fight, but I use my own strength. I have never lost a fight since I started Musangwe. At first I only did it for entertainment but it is now one of my favourite sports. My wish is to become a professional boxer,” said Mavhona.
One of the other fighters who competed during the festival, Enock Zero Kwinda, said Musangwe is the sport he enjoys most. “Some say it is a primitive sport but I don’t agree because it is not really different from other sport. It is meant to promote friendship because we bear no grudges after the fight, even if one is defeated. This is the game of our forefathers and we will never stop following in their footsteps,” said Kwinda.
King Toni Mphephu Ramabulana said men who compete in Musangwe are not cowards and are able to defend their families from criminals. “As the Vha-Venda people, we must appreciate all our traditions and heritage sites and as we celebrate Heritage Month, embrace our own culture and tradition. Our customs and traditions make us who we are, so let’s embrace and celebrate them. This is our traditional sport and we must preserve it so coming generations can compete in it as well,” said Ramabulana.
He added it is important for the royal family to spend days and events such as these with the people. “We are happy to witness and attend these kinds of events and we feel it is events such as these which entertain and educate the people of Venda. This year we decided not to give the winners prize money and instead donate the R30 000 to Mutoti Primary School.”
Fighters such as Caswel Mavhona, Thuso Ngwazi Ramakhakhathi, Enock Zero Kwinda, Fhulufhelo Boomba T Ramaliba, Kutelani Nemaorani, Rueben Muleba, Thendo Randima, Khiodani Nephalama, Tshidzo Netshivhuyu, Kenneth Mukhithi, Mukhethwa Munyai, Khuliso Masikhwa, Khuthadzo Matshenga, Dakalo Lurula, Mpho Kingblood Negwagwani and Colbert Thahale competed in this year’s fights.
