'Rambo' Tshivhase hailed as a brave, intelligent leader

More than 70 traditional leaders from the Tshivhase dynasty joined thousands of mourners who converged at the Tshidimbini traditional kraal to pay their last respects to Vhamusanda Vho Mulingoni Mukhese Eric Tshivhase, who was laid to rest at the royal graveyard on Saturday morning. Tshivhase (53), better known as “Rambo” because of his prowess in various sporting codes, passed away after a short illness on Saturday, 13 April.

The late traditional leader was also working as an official of the Department of Home Affairs at the time of his death. Mourners included top officials from the Department of Home Affairs, officials from the provincial government, and the local mayor of Thulamela Local Municipality, Sarah Rambuda.

Speaking at the funeral service, Thovhele Mailausumbwa Kennedy Midiyavhathu Tshivhase said that the late traditional leader had been his younger brother. “He served as the traditional leader of both Tshidimbini and Mandala villages. Although it was not customary for the kingdom to appoint one leader for two villages, his vision, hard work, and honesty led me to nominate him for the role, and he executed it excellently,” he said.

Tshivhase assured the mourners and the local communities that he was personally overseeing the governance of the two villages until suitable candidates could be found to fill the vacancies. He also urged the residents not to spread malicious rumours. “When this incident occurred, I personally visited the scene and saw my brother’s body. Therefore, if anyone seeks clarity on the events, they should approach me directly instead of spreading misinformation,” he said.

The spokesperson for the Tshivhase royal house, Vho Khotsimunene Vho Avhakholwi Tshivhase, who is the blood brother of the late Vhamusanda Vho Tshivhase, hailed his elder brother as a brave and intelligent traditional leader. “We have lost a valuable leader in the Tshivhase dynasty,” he remarked.

Date:25 April 2024

By: Victor Mukwevho

Victor Mukwevho Ne-vumbani joined the Mirror during it's inception in 1990. He joined the SABC newsroom in 1995, and was known by  listeners as "A u fhedzisela ari". He was a news editor for The Tembisan Newspaper from 2007 to 2015. He rejoined the Limpopo Mirror newspaper in June 2022 as a freelance journalist.

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