Legendary icon publishes his memoirs

Legendary icon, farmer, and one of the founders of the now-defunct Venda Building Society (VBS) Vhavenda Vho Wilson Madambi Muvhulawa, has narrated and published a book based on his life with the title, “It takes a village to raise a child”.

The biography of the legendary icon was launched on 27 January at the Madi a Thavha Lodge, just outside Louis Trichardt. The day was also used to celebrate the 86^th birthday of Muvhulawa, and he was showered with gifts from children, friends, and well-wishers.

Muvhulawa was born and raised in the rural village of Hamaelula. In the first chapter of the book, he discusses the history of the village, how it had developed throughout the years, and its political and cultural dynamics. He touches on the agricultural infrastructure, the religious groups active in the area, and its economic development.

One of his children, Ms Tshimbiluni Muvhulawa, who helped him compile and edit the content, explained that the second chapter of the book focuses on her father’s life, starting with how he grew up amidst poverty. He worked hard to establish his businesses and eventually became a business mogul and a role model for many other entrepreneurs.

According to Tshimbiluni, the book also delves into the era of Venda being an independent homeland, where Vhavenda Muvhulawa played a role in developing the farming industry as well as other enterprises. The book discusses the role played by the Venda Development Corporation (VDC) in local development and the origin of the now-defunct VBS. “He was one of the founding members of the board [of VBS],” said Tshimbiluni Muvhulawa. VBS was formed in 1982 after Vhavenda Muvhulawa and a former Venda minister of Finance and Economic Development, Gota Frank Ravele, were worried about the fact that so many people invested money outside of Venda.

The way Muvhulawa was removed from the VBS Board is still fresh in his memory, as is how thousands of people lost their life savings because of corruption. These emotions are also reflected in the final chapters of the book.

Entertainment - Date: 01 February 2024

Silas Nduvheni

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