Legal updates and opinions
News / News
Celebrating Heritage Month: The Xibelani Dance
In our recent article, we discussed the challenges of safeguarding traditional cultural expressions within conventional intellectual property regimes.
We now explore one of these incredible expressions – the Xibelani dance. This is an indigenous dance performed by the Tsonga women of the Limpopo province. The term ‘Xibelani’ is said to translate to “hitting to the rhythm” in the Xitsonga language which embodies the essence of the dance.
The Xibelani skirt (also known as the Tinguvu) is used in the Xibelani dance and remains part of Tsonga women’s traditional attire.

As discussed in the article, as it stands, legislation in relation to Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expressions is not yet in effect but if they were, expressions such as the Xibelani dance would be protected as a performance of a traditional work.

The Xibelani dance is not just a dance; it’s a celebration of culture, identity, and tradition, and it continues to enchant audiences with its beauty and history.
Werksmans celebrates and appreciates cultural treasures like the Xibelani dance that enrich our heritage.
Latest News
Occupational health and safety in the COVID-19 workplace
By Jacques van Wyk, Director and Bradley Workman-Davies, Director A directive has recently been issued by the Department of Employment [...]
Moving towards the end of the lockdown – keeping it consistent and clear
by Bradley Workman-Davies, Director The last big news from Government in relation to the National Lockdown, as outlined in the [...]
Do you have temporary market power? The Competition Commission’s first finding of excessive pricing under the COVID-19 emergency regulations
by Paul Cleland, Director The Competition Commission has, by way of a settlement agreement, concluded its first investigation into excessive [...]
Joint ventures – once competition law’s ugly sister, now beloved Cinderella?
by Ahmore Burger-Smidt, Director and Head of the Data Privacy practice and Graeme Wickins, Director As the global economy is [...]
The protection of privacy and personal information. How much personal information will be enough?
One Covid-19. So many tracing apps to locate individuals. "Your recently announced project to respond to COVID–19 by tracking when [...]
Actions that may be taken to address some of the risks arising from the COVID-19 crisis in connection with M&A transactions
by Nozipho Bhengu, Director Introduction 1.1 On the 24th of March 2020, the President of the Republic of South Africa [...]
