Khodani Negota, 33, is a heritage advocate, educator and multidisciplinary artist dedicated to preserving indigenous culture and empowering rural youth through storytelling. As art centre manager at Limpopo Art and Heritage NPC, she blends her love for arts, fashion, language and heritage with social development. Her journey began in Makonde village. After completing a BA and Honours degree from the University of Venda, she transitioned into roles that reflect her commitment to heritage programming — from running storytelling workshops and mobile museums to design- ing AI-powered rural archives. Khodani’s achievements include founding KSG Africa, a fashion and heritage brand showcased at the Ditsong Museum, and winning Best Traditional Custom Portrayed at the 2024 South African Heritage Extravaganza. She is proud of her work in special needs arts education and cultural mentorship for rural youth. Inspired by people such as Noria Mabasa, Khodani channels ancestral wisdom into future-forward advocacy. She believes young leaders must be the bridge between tradition and technology, creating spaces where culture lives, evolves and empowers.
- Winning the South African Heritage Extravaganza 2024 for Best Dressed and Best Traditional Custom Portrayed, representing Limpopo Art and Heritage Festival NPC. This recognition affirmed the power of visual storytelling and the importance of authenticity in cultural representation.
- Proud of founding KSG Africa, a brand that blends African heritage with contemporary fashion. Products from the company are part of the Beautiful Things Curio Shop at Ditsong Museum of Cultural History in Pretoria.
- Facilitated heritage-based projects such as the Vhumbedzi Cultural Outreach Programme and Free Spirit on Canvas.
These experiences reinforced the value of cultural integrity, teamwork and the ability to adapt creative strategies to different community contexts.
Mentors such as Mr Avhashoni Mainganye and Dr Noria Mabasa are admired for their unwavering commitment to cultural preservation and creative excellence. Mr Mainganye’s mentorship in visual arts and dedication to community development have had a lasting impact on my journey. Dr Mabasa’s work as a legendary sculptor and ceramicist serves as inspiration to use art as a vehicle for heritage education and women’s empowerment.