Venda king pins his hopes on new chief

Silas Nduvheni

LIMPOPO – Young blood has been commandeered in Venda to facilitate speedier development in the Ha-Rambuda communities in Mutale.

The Venda king, Toni Mphephu Ramabulana, said he hopes the installation of the brand-new senior traditional leader, Ratshibvumo II Rambuda, in the Ha- Rambuda communities in Mutale will help speed up development in the areas under his jurisdiction.

“Chief Rambuda, with his high education, which we hope will also inspire the other young traditional leaders, is joining government at a critical time.

“This is the time when the work of improving the quality of life of our people has to be sustained at a faster rate.

“We call on him to use his education to assist the government in ensuring that his communities get the services they have long awaited .

“He must also make sure that the community poverty alleviation projects enjoy priority,” Ramabulana said.

Ramabulana was joined by a number of dignitaries at the inauguration of the new chief (senior traditional leader) at a function at the Tshiwangamatembele sports ground on Saturday.

Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs MEC, Makoma Makhurupetje, Limpopo House of Traditional Leaders chairperson, Kgosi Malesele Dikgale, Vhembe Mayor, Tshitereke Matibe and some senior traditional leaders in the Vhembe region, were also in attendance. Ramabulana warned that those who oppose the new chief’s installation must refrain from doing so as Ratshibvumo II was here for the throne of Rambuda and he will rule them.

During the inauguration, Madambi Rambuda was introduced as ndumi, while Nakisani Rambuda was installed as Makhadzi. Makhurupetje emphasised the new chief must assist the government in identifying service delivery challenges in his area, because as the traditional leader, he is at the forefront of service delivery.

“It is also expected that the new chief should form a strong partnership with the local municipality.

“Where possible, the new chief should participate in the council debates so that his interests and those of your subjects can find resonance in council resolutions.

“We hope by working together with the government, the new chief will help in addressing his people’s access to employment and job creation and other socio-economic projects to advance their interests,” Makhurupetje added.

Makhurupetje also urged communities around to give the new chief all the support he needs because through their support he will have the strength and courage needed for the task bestowed on him.

Representing the 42 chiefs of Ha-Rambuda, Chief Nthatheni Lambani, told the gathering that in the Rambuda communities a shortage of good roads exists and the tribal council buildings where chiefs and communities meet on development was old and dilapidated.