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
#METOOZA – sexual harassment in the workplace in South Africa
Recently, and on an ongoing basis, revelations of sexual harassment in Hollywood have made the headlines, and stories of sexual [...]
Budget proposal to provide much needed clarity to managers and unit holders of Collective Investment Schemes
The taxation of collective investment schemes ("CIS") and their participatory interest holders is governed by sections 25BA and 10(1)(iB) of [...]
FAQ – opportunities for investors arising from the South African business rescue process
INTRODUCTION The South African business rescue process has created the opportunity for investors (local and foreign) to position themselves in [...]
The International Arbitration Act spells opportunity for South Africa
With the coming into operation of the International Arbitration Act[1] ("Act") on 20 December 2017, South Africa for the first [...]
The fascinating tango of interest and forex rates on large claims where set-off occurs: a case study
Imagine the following scenario, the parties have litigated, and they are awarded the following claims: Party A is awarded: US$5 [...]
Memorandum of understanding concluded between the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (“BBBEE”) Commission and the Competition Commission – the increasingly important interface between BBBEE and Competition Law
) The Competition Commission investigates certain mergers and anticompetitive practices including cartel conduct (for example price fixing, collusive tendering and [...]
