The Venda Race of Zimbabwe is a part of the Venda race that mainly inhabits South Africa. The Venda race of Zimbabweans constitute more than 1,36,000 people. The Venda race is a subtype of the Bantu speaking people of Africa. Unlike many ethnic groups, the Venda race has mostly retained retained their original native religion and thrived on indigenous customs and traditions to lead a close knit community life. The Venda Language, spoken by about 8,00,000 Africans is differently known as Luvenda. As a result of inhabiting different regions, various dialects have evolved. This variation has also effected the customs and rituals, though the difference is not too conspicuous.
THE DIALECTICAL VARIATIONS OF VENDA LANGUAGE
- Tavhatsindi
- Manda
- Guvhu
- Mbedzi
- Lembetu
- Chivenda
- Ilafuri
- Phani
- Tavha-Tsindi
- Cevenda
- Tshivenda
Other than southern Zimbabwe, the Venda population is found in South Africa as well. There the Venda language is spoken by more than 6,00,000 people and constitute one of the official languages. The VaVenda tribals in South Africa are known for their spectacular artwork. In South Africa the VaVendas inhabit the northern part of the Limpopo province.
The Venda people of Africa probably owe their origin in the Congo Valley. The main VaKaranga or VaKalanga tribe divided around the 17th century. That is how the Zimbabwean and South African Venda race have formed..
