ABSTRACT
With the exception of the Phaphuli chiefs, whose country has probably always been independent, the BaVenda were more or less united under Vele Lambeho, but on the death of his son Thoho-ya-Ndou the unity of the tribe came to an end. There exists a well-developed form of centralized government operating through three councils-the great council, the district council, and the private council. The council only meets when important measures are proposed, such as direct taxation or some crisis affecting the whole people. Revenue is always trickling in through the fines of justice, the chief or petty chief being entitled to a proportion of all the animals paid by defaulters. Often when a man has won a big suit he shows his gratification by presenting his chief with a few additional head of cattle.
