ABSTRACT
Sacredness is an integral part of the lives of the Vhavenda people in South Africa. Not even the arrival of the mission aries has stopped these practices, although they had a negative impact on the continuation of some of the practices of the Vhavenda community. Whereas most of the practices are still intact, zwiawelo are not often seen. The zwifho of Fundudzi sacred lake is still respected by elderly people. Lake Fundudzi is located in the Soutpansberg in the Vhembe District of the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The rituals at graveyards (burial sites) are still intact, while springs inhabited by snakes do not exist anymore. It is presumed that if these were still in existence, young people would attack and kill the snakes out of ignorance. Most of these sacred places are therefore observed and respected by the Venda communities. It is recommended that such places should be protected and respected as heritage sites.
