What is "bungeni"

Bungeni is a sprawling rural settlement situated at the foothills of the Soutpansberg mountain range in the former Gazankulu homeland, Limpopo Province, South Africa. It lies 35 km east of Makhado, Bungeni is in the Hlanganani district, on the R578 road (South Africa) between Makhado and Giyani. In 1994 and in 2016, administrative control of this western portion of Gazankulu has been sub-divided and allocated, first to Makhado Local Municipality in 1994 and in 2016, to New Malamulele Municipality in the Vhembe district. The Western part, known as 'Bungeni West' by the locals, has been allocated to Makhado, while the eastern part, known as 'Bungeni east', has been allocated to the new Malamulele Municipality. The border line between the two municipalities is at Mbogo Hill, a prominent and a beautiful hill with sweeping view over the Soutpansberg Mountains. Mbogo Hill is known to the locals as eka-Mbogo, franked by Bungeni health centre to the west of the Hill. Mbogo Hill to the east has been allocated to Malamulele, while Bungeni Health Centre to the west has been allocated to Makhado. Mbogo Hill was named after the Venda family, Magoro (Not related to Magoro village in Tiyani), who have occupied the Hill for generations until they were evicted in 1969 during the consolidations of the Homelands between the Tsonga and the Venda nations.

Bungeni consists of more than 12 large villages, presided over by 12 Headmen, known as "tindhuna"" in Xitsonga, these 'tindhuna' are Headman for Xikhulu, Headman Mabodhlongwa, Headman Makhoma, Headman Xitaci, Headman Mtsetweni, Headman Xihambanyisi, headman Nwa-Mhandzi, Headman Xivambu, headman for Nhjakanhjaka A, Headman for Nhjakanhjaka B, headman Wayeni (Malele), and Headman Mahatlani. According to the 2015 mid-year population statistics, Bungeni has a population of approximately 30,000 people. Hosi Bungeni is a Senior Chief that presides over all the 12 subordinate Headmen and their villages. The authority to dermacates residential stands, Business sites and for any other purposes rest with Chief Bungeni (Mabunda).