In an historic ceremony recently held at the offices of King Toni Mphephu in Thohoyandou, the official heraldic coat of arms for the Vhavenda Kingship and its symbolical meaning were officially unveiled.

The director general in the Department of Traditional Affairs, Prof Charles Nwaila and the king and was attended by Thovhele Gole Mphaphuli and many other traditional leaders. A huge, framed replica of the coat of arms was also given to Nwaila.

Mphephu said that the coat of arms was of significant importance to the whole Vhavenda nation. “This symbolises the unity of the Vhavenda nation, it is a father figure for the whole nation. Since earliest times, the shield was used as a protection against attacks. It symbolizes the safeguarding by the authority of the people.

"The head of the elephant pressing forward is a symbol of the will and determination of the people who will not be stopped in their attempt to venture into the future in pursuance of their set ideals,” he said.

The king further explained that the head ring symbolized the authority and power of the Thovhele. “The drum known as ngoma symbolises the unity of the people. It is used by the Thovhele when summoning the people of his tribe or community when an important message has to be conveyed,” said the king.

He added that the two elephants supporting the shield on the coat of arms were a symbol of the power and stability exercised by the authority of the Vhavenda Kingship.

Nwaila said it was high time traditional leadership took its rightful place in the country.  “We value what is happening here today because it has to do with the restoration of the Vhavenda Kingship. This is a way of taking the kingship to its rightful place and the government fully supports this initiative,” he added.