3 days ago
Vhembe advocate preserves heritage through creativity
LIMPOPO – Born in Matshavhawe and raised in the cultural village of Makonde, Khodani Negota is a proud heritage advocate, artist and teacher who's made it her mission to keep African culture alive by mixing tradition with creativity.
Her love for storytelling and Venda traditions started early, inspired by the oral history of Nwali, a revered deity in her culture.
This passion led her to create KSG Africa, a brand that turns heritage into handcrafted accessories like beaded handbags, hats, and tekkies, giving African identity a stylish voice while supporting local artisans.
Khodani wears many hats. As a programme facilitator with the Far North Youth Development Agency, she helps run workshops, mentor young creatives and organise cultural events across Limpopo. She's also the co-founder of the Limpopo Art and Heritage Festival NPC, a nonprofit using tech and creativity to preserve culture. In 2022, they secured land in Makonde and began building a cultural hub.
In 2024, she led her team to victory at the South African Heritage Extravaganza, winning national awards for best dressed and best traditional customs.
Their performance blended fashion, storytelling, and dance in a powerful showcase of indigenous pride.
Through the Vhumbedzi Cultural Outreach Programme, Khodani brings arts education to rural schools, teaching kids storytelling, acting, poetry, and traditional dance.
Her efforts earned her a 2025 nomination for the Free SA Young Leaders Awards in the sports, culture and environment category.
She's also behind the LAAH Mobile Heritage Museum and AI Heritage Archive, projects that take cultural knowledge on the road and into the digital space.
'Culture is not just our past, it's our compass to the future. Our stories matter, and it's up to us to keep them alive,' she concluded.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
