South Africa - Venda
Republic of Venda
The Republic of Venda (Riphabuliki ya Venḓa) was a tribal homeland in the northern region of Republic of South Africa from 1973 until 1994.[1] The region was set aside for Venda-speaking people and granted nominal self-rule in September 1979. As a semi-independent state, Venda did not practice apartheid.
The first President of Venda, Patrick Mphephu, was also a chief of the Venda people. His successor, Frank Ravele, was overthrown in a military coup in 1990, after which the territory was ruled by the Council of National Unity. Venda was reincorporated into South Africa on 27 April 1994, becoming part of the Limpopo province.
The Venda Defence Force had a strength of about 900 personnel. The homeland also had a Police force.
Venda Camouflage
- The Venda Defence Force was the only tribal homeland that never adopted a camouflage design. Instead, all personnel wore standard nutria of the SADF, with their own unit embellishments such as insignia and head dress. However, some evidence suggests that the Venda Police Force were issued uniforms in the lizard camouflage design seen below. This has not been completely verified.
Notes
<references>
- ↑ The African Homeland, or bantustan, was a territory specifically set aside for black Africans of a specific ethnic or tribal group during the apartheid era.