Ba Venda

Ba Venda

 

(also Venda or Bavesha), a people inhabiting the territory in the central valley of the Limpopo River on both sides of the border between the Republic of South Africa and Southern Rhodesia. In 1967 the population was estimated at about 300,000. The language of the Ba Venda is Chivenda, which is related to Bantu. The majority of the Ba Venda retain their traditional beliefs; some are Christians. Their chief occupations are agriculture and the raising of horned cattle. Some of the Ba Venda work on farms belonging to Europeans. Ba Venda men often seek work at mining enterprises.

REFERENCE

Stayt, H. A. The Ba Venda. London, 1931.