Food. Culture. Connection.

What does "zwibodo" mean? In Tshivenda, zwibodo (pronounced roughly "zwee-BOH-doh") literally refers to cooking pots or cookware. It is the plural form associated with the word "bodo", meaning a single cooking pot. So in a direct translation sense, zwibodo means "pots".

Beyond the literal translation, zwibodo has taken on a broader cultural meaning in Venda communities. It refers to a communal cooking gathering or feast. In this context, "u ita zwibodo" (to do zwibodo) means to get together as a group and cook a meal collectively, usually outdoors. Friends or family each contribute ingredients (and often their pots), cook various dishes together over a fire, and then share the food as a communal meal.

In traditional venda culture, men contribute towards food, cook, and eat from the same dish, essentially a group cookout or potluck with everyone eating together. Recently, these gathering have become more inclusive, women now attend too, and individuals from different culture. These gatherings are often informal and jovial, similar in spirit to a picnic or braai, but centrered on cooking dishes in a collaborative way.

Traditionally, zwibodo was a way to socialize, bond, and celebrate through cooking. In the past it was often an activity for men, a chance for men to show off cooking skills or simply enjoy camaraderie, which is notable since day-to-day cooking in many cultures is done by women. Today, however, zwibodo is inclusive of anyone. It’s seen as a proud cultural practice among Vhavenda people that reinforces community spirit and the sharing of good food.