Safeguarding natural springs through indigenous Vhavenda practices for sustainable water resource use
Thomani Kwinda
& Thizwilondi Joanbeth Madima
Issue: Vol. 7 No.10 2026 Article 7 pp.3018 – 3030
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20267107 Published online 5th November 2026
© 2026 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
African indigenous communities have long used measures to protect springs, vital for domestic and consumption needs. However, amid modern development, springs are increasingly exposed to risks, prompting interest in indigenous safeguarding practices. Natural springs are threatened by deforestation, waste dumps, household litter, drought, mismanagement, and development initiatives. The purpose of this paper is to explore the Vhavenda people’s indigenous measures for safeguarding natural springs from threats in the community for Sustainable use in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. The study adopted a qualitative design; data were collected using semi-structured interviews and were thematically analysed. The population was sampled purposively. Findings showed that springs were protected by restrictions that allowed only elderly women to dig. VhaVenda used stones and strong wood to prevent contamination. Joint efforts for “u kapa tshisima” and taboos also protected springs, with libations performed to ask for rain. The paper concludes that Indigenous measures were effective and that the water was safe due to their implementation. The study recommends revitalising the Vhavenda safeguarding measures through a community awareness program to encourage everyone in the community to play their part. Eco-mapping in the Vhavenda indigenous community is another recommendation to ensure that everyone, from leaders to community members, is informed about their rich ecosystem. The study contributes positively to research knowledge through indigenous solutions that can be adopted to ensure water sources’ sustainability. When natural springs are protected, they can save indigenous communities from a water shortage crisis; hence the need for this remarkable study.
Keywords: Spring Water, Sustainability, Vhavenda, and Indigenous Community.
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Mr. Thomani Kwinda, a part-time junior lecturer, University of Venda, South Africa.
Dr. Thizwilondi Madima, Lecturer, University of Venda, South Africa.
Kwinda, Thomani, and Thizwilondi Joanbeth Madima. “Safeguarding Natural Springs through Indigenous Vhavenda practices for Sustainable Water Resource use.” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 7, no.10 (2026): 3018 – 3030. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20267107
© 2026 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
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