'use client' import Image from "next/image" const founderImg = "https://images.pexels.com/photos/14538746/pexels-photo-14538746.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=350" const bushveldImg = "https://images.pexels.com/photos/6146178/pexels-photo-6146178.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940" export default function OurStorySection() { return (
{/* Text side */}
Founded in 2015

A Family's Vision, A Village's Welcome

vaVenda Lodge was born from a single belief: that the most authentic travel experiences are shared around a table, under a thatched roof, with the sounds of the bushveld as your soundtrack. Our founder, Makhado Ravele, returned to his ancestral land in the Soutpansberg mountains with a dream to welcome the world into his home.

Every detail — from the hand-stamped clay walls to the indigenous garden paths — is a tribute to the Venda people's deep connection with nature. We partner with local artisans, storytellers, and guides to ensure every guest leaves with more than a tan: they take home a piece of Venda soul.

"I am because we are." — Ubuntu philosophy, echoed in every interaction at vaVenda.
{/* Image side */}
Limpopo bushveld at sunrise
Makhado Ravele, founder of vaVenda Lodge
{/* Stats bar */}
{[ { label: "Suites", value: "6" }, { label: "Venda Artisans Featured", value: "12" }, { label: "Years Open", value: "9" }, { label: "Languages Spoken", value: "5" }, ].map((stat) => (

{stat.value}

{stat.label}

))}
{/* Contact snippet */}

Makhado, Limpopo, South Africa  ·  +27 15 001 2345  ·  info@vavendalodge.co.za

) }