New Chief calls for unity

MATIBIDI -The Mashilane Traditional Council finally has a rightful heir to the throne. This comes years after the former chief of the Mashilane Tribe, Kgoshi Makuke Fredirick Mashile passed on leaving the chieftaincy seat vacant.

On Friday, this small community just outside Graskop witnessed the official crowning of their new chief, Kgoshi Tumelo E Mashile. His crowning has been recognised by the premier, Mr David Mabuza, MEC for the Department of Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs, Ms Refilwe Mtsweni and the provincial House of Traditional Leaders led by Kgoshi Lameck Mokoena.

During his crowning, the young chief called for unity and tolerance within his community.

“There isn’t a family in the entire world that doesn’t have problems but I want to humbly ask that we be united and solve ours together, because if we are, no problem will be too big for us to solve,” he urged.

He also made a plea to government to continue supporting traditional leaders. “I want to appeal to government to work with us and bring services to our people,” he said.

Mokoena, who presided on behalf of both Mabuza and Mtsweni, handed the new chief with the official certificate signed by Mabuza as a sign to officially recognise him as the leader of the Mashilane tribe. “Today, we have officially given you your new leader, and all that we expect from you, is to respect and always be loyal to him.

“We are calling on the Mashilane clan to be united and help this young chief rule his people with dignity and respect,” said Mokoena.