The nature of Vhavenda and Vatsonga relational identity : a social identity theory perspective

Abstract

This research project investigated the nature of intergroup relational identity of Vhavenda and Vatsonga, who are South African tribal groups located in the Limpopo Province. Intergroup relational identity has long since been embedded in these two groups around similar diets and cultural rituals, sharing government resources, sport activities, ngoma and ncuva. These tribes have been living together for more than three centuries. However, over the past nine years there have been violent municipal protests affecting relations between these two groups resulting in chaos and instabilities among them. In light of this instability, it has become important to understand the current nature of intergroup relational identity between the groups, as viewed from a social psychological perspective, which the present project adopts, by applying and extending social identity theory (SIT) to this matter. The results found will help facilitate a re-configuration and harmonious relationship in terms of the relational identity between the two groups. This study followed a qualitative approach, which was appropriate, because it enabled the researcher to gain rich insight into experiences and perspectives that Vhavenda and Vatsonga had and held about their intergroup relational identity. Participants of this study were selected by means of purposive sampling. Four focus groups were conducted, each consisting of six to eight participants from the Limpopo Province within the following communities: Muledane, Majosi, Tshimbupfe, and Malamulele/ Gonono. The focus groups were homogenous, that is, Vhavenda and Vatsonga were not mixed during the discussions. Directed qualitative content analysis (DQICA) was used as method of data analysis in accordance with a qualitative deductive approach, because it enabled the researcher to integrate SIT and the intergroup relational identity of the two groups. The cognitive components of social identity theory, namely social categorization, social identification, and social comparisons/ evaluation, were employed as the main coding categories that formed the bases of analysis. Four subcategories were identified as perspectives from which the two groups experienced and viewed their intergroup relational identity: discrimination, in-group favouritism, prejudice, and leadership challenges. Vatsonga and Vhavenda emphasised

discrimination as one of the phenomena that they experienced within their relationship. They experienced it in various contexts, such as places where they were working with each other, educational institutions, and when applying for job opportunities, where they felt they were treated differently. Vatsonga expressed that Vhavenda tended to give preferential treatment to those who belonged to their group; even in terms of job opportunities they would employ a majority of Vhavenda, without considering Vatsonga applicants. They also made reference to the municipality re-demarcation of 2012, when they demanded to have their own municipality separate from Vhavenda, because Thulamela municipality, which was located in Venda town Thohoyandou, was not giving Vhavenda communities the same levels of service delivery as Vatsonga communities. Vhavenda further expressed that Vatsonga held prejudice against them, because they always thought of them as bad people who could not be trusted, and also made judgements about them that were extremely demeaning. Lastly, leadership was found to be one of the most critical issues that the two groups encountered, since neither group wanted to be led by the other. This considerable challenge arose at municipal level, and was perpetuated to traditional leadership, such as among