[4] The United Nations and international community refused to recognise Venda (or any other Bantustan) as an independent state.

Prior to independence, it was expanded to form one contiguous territory, with a total land area of 6,807 km2 (2628 sq.

The state was cut off from neighbouring Zimbabwe by the Madimbo corridor, patrolled by South African troops, to the north, and from nearby Mozambique by the Kruger National Park.

[4] The first President of Venda, Patrick Mphephu, was also a Paramount Chief of the Vhavenda people; he was born and lived in Dzanani in Limpopo.

Afterwards, the territory was ruled by the Council of National Unity, a military junta chaired by General Gabriel Ramushwana.