Shigalo community mourns local chief
Chief Hosi Xithlangoma James Maluleke (70), passed away in Malamulele Hospital on Thursday after a short illness.
LIMPOPO – The community of Shigalo in Lim 345 Municipality is mourning the passing of local chief, Hosi Xithlangoma James Maluleke (70), who passed away in Malamulele Hospital on Thursday after a short illness.
The Mayor of Lim 345, Joyce Bila, described Shigalo as a traditional leader who loved to see development in his community and the municipality.
“We have lost one of the most progressive and selfless traditional leaders who was always at the forefront of service delivery.
“He has contributed immensely to the fight for Lim 345 Municipality,” she said.
“We will surely miss him by his trademark hat and leather jacket which he used to wear during community meetings where he would sometimes reiterate that he should be buried with his hat and jacket when he dies,” added Bila.
The Minister of Public Services and Administration, Faith Muthambi, who has a constituency office in Malamulele, Vuwani and Hlanganani areas, described Shigalo as a champion of service delivery.
“As a Parliamentary Constituency, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Hosi Shigalo as he was always at the forefront when we were doing constituency work such as back to school campaigns, crime awareness and social cohesion work. He also had a great sense of humor. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and the entire community of Shigalo,” said Muthambi.
Shigalo was the first traditional leader in Limpopo and South Africa to welcome people who come from other countries into his community’s initiation schools.
This after three Somalian nationals graduated from initiation school in June this year. Shigalo said he welcomed them because they are also Africans.
Family Spokesperson, Joseph Chauke, said the family was devastated by the passing of the chief as they expected him to live longer.
Shigalo had three wives, two of whom have already passed on.
He leaves behind 16 children (four boys and 12 girls).
He took over as chief in 1987 and ruled over Basani, Shigalo, Nyavani, Makhasa and Masheleni villages.
He is a member of Van’wanati Royal Council which the late Hosi John Xikundu, Hosi Jackson Maluleke Nhlaniki, and the late former Minister of Public Services and Administration, Collins Chabane, were part of.
The memorial service will be held today (11 October) at 13:00 and he will be laid to rest on Friday.
