“Hoyohoyo is a Shangaan / Xitsonga word used to express the highest form of an enthusiastic, festive, zealous, celebratory and “royal” welcome mood. In the past, it was not uncommon for this verbal expression of welcome to set women ululating, frolicking and dancing around in circles, with their male counterparts beating drums and blowing horns to celebrate and welcome special visitors / guests coming from far or near, particularly those who were bringing good tidings such as the arrival of a new baby or daughter-in-law.
The children would also join in the frenzy and frolic in and out of the crowd. Instantaneously, the visitors would then be relieved of any of their luggage for safe keeping and at times, such visitors would be treated to a foot cleansing ritual. This was essentially a type of welcome that could make one feel intensely welcome and appreciated even before one enters the home – thereby creating and sending the feeling and sentiment that, “my home is your home and what’s mine is yours”. Inherent in the meaning of the word “hoyohoyo” is the African ethos of ubuntu – or humanity. In a deeper sense, this word is entwined with the belief that “I am because you are and you are because we are or I am what I am because of who we all are.”
Hoyohoyo Chartwell Lodge and Conference Venue is a boutique hotel setting in the heart of Johannesburg’s northern suburbs that offers a country style backdrop for the discerning businessman, executive or tourist. It is located in Chartwell, near Fourways, on a 7 acre estate a mere 2 kilometres away from Dainfern Country Estate and less than 5 kilometres from the Fourways precinct close to Monte Casino and Northgate.
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