Thohoyandou, meaning ‘the head of the elephant’ was the capital of Venda and was developed around the previous administrative center, Sibasa.
Venda was granted independence in 1979 in terms of the policy of apartheid or ‘separate development’ and reincorporated into South Africa at the time of the country’s first inclusive election in 1994. It is home to the University of Venda and has remained the administrative center for traditional Venda territory. The town has a museum with exhibits of the cultural history of the Venda.
Joint Administration: Mphaphul,i Tshivhase, and Phiphidi
Main Places of Interest: Tshatingo Potholes, Phiphidi Waterfalls, Thathevendo Dam and waterfall.
