On behalf of Dzomo la Mupo: The Vhavenḓa communities, who are the custodians and guardians of their ancestral Zwifho—the sacred forests, waterfalls, and landscapes that hold their ceremonies, their history, and their identity—have faithfully protected this heritage for generations. Today, however, their access to these sacred places is being restricted, and their voices are increasingly marginalised.
The Vhavenḓa communities of Luvhola, Mbwenda (Hamagoro), Mulambwane, Phiphiḓi (Haramunangi), Songozwi ḽa Vhadzanani, Tshidzivhe (Thathe), Tshiluvhi, Tshiṱungulu, Tshivhazwaulu, Vhuṱanḓa and Vuu ḽa Vho Tshitavhe, have come together to draft a Biocultural Community Protocol (BCP). The BCP provides a clear framework for engaging with external parties, ensuring that access to our traditional knowledge and natural resources is based on respect for our values and right to free, prior and informed consent.
We are excited to invite you or your representative to attend the official launch of our Mitodzi ya Zwifho zwa Vhongwaniwapo – Vhavenḓa Biocultural Community Protocol (BCP) We affirm that, “Zwifho ndi hukhethwa ha vhadzimu ho tumbukaho na lushaka,” Zwifho are the sacred places where our ancestors reside, granted to the community from its inception.
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