THOHOYANDOU – Chief Ndamulelo Mmbi was inaugurated as traditional leader of Maniini-Hammbi village outside Thohoyandou after the residents of the village and surrounds did not have a leader for 12 years.
His inauguration was welcomed with ululations by one of the senior traditional leaders in Vhembe, Thovhele Gole Mphaphuli, and the communities. The traditional tshikona dance, performed when the Vhavenda chief is inaugurated or during his burial, was one of the highlights of the ceremony.
Representatives from both the Vhembe and Thulamela municipalities attended the ceremony. Shonani Mmbi was inaugurated as Ndumi, while Rolindela Mmbi was inaugurated as Makhadzi.
During the inauguration of Mmbi as the rightful heir to the throne of the chief, Thovhele Gole Mphaphuli urged the newly inaugurated chief to respect and serve the communities to the best of his ability.
“You are a chief because of the people. You will be serving above them and it is vital that you treat and serve them with dignity and always have their best interests at heart,” said Mphaphuli.
“We urge the new traditional leader to build a good working relationship with the councillors and the Thulamela Municipality so service delivery to the community can become a priority for them,” Mphaphuli added.
He warned the Mmbi clan to refrain from using the courts as a way of solving traditional leader disputes.
