Makhadzi Vho Phophi Tshitangoni passes away at 104

Makhadzi Vho Phophi Masiavhula Gumbo Nwendamutswu, a respected figure from Tshithuthuni village in Nzhelele, passed away on Monday, 18 March, at the remarkable age of 104 years. She was laid to rest on Friday, 22 March, at the Nwendamutswu royal graveyard (Tshiendeulu) in Tshixwadza village.

Mr Thinawanga Malise, the chairperson of the Tshithuthuni SANCO, said that Makhadzi Vho Phophi had held the distinction of being the oldest person in Tshithuthuni and possibly the entire Nzhelele Valley. Born on 12 June 1920 in Tshixwadza village into the Nwendamutswu royal house, she was the firstborn of the late Khosi Vho Nthangeni Nwendamutswu and his wife, the late Muthelo Nwendamutswu. She had two siblings, Sophia and Thongwa Nwendamutswu.

Makhadzi Vho Phophi was married to the late Frans Tshitangoni from Fefe village, with whom she had four children: Samuel, Merinah, Violet, and Simon (Mbulaheni). In 1978, she relocated to Tshithuthuni, where she resided until her passing. She is survived by her youngest son, 11 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren.

Following the passing of her father, her brother Thongwa briefly assumed the role of Khosi. However, recognizing Makhadzi Vho Phophi as the rightful heir as the eldest child, she was bestowed the chieftaincy, despite traditional norms initially precluding her from such a position because of her gender. She later passed the reins to her eldest son, Samuel, assuming the title of Makhadzi.

The Nwendamutswu Royal family suffered a devastating loss on 6 September 2022, when nine members perished in a tragic accident near Polokwane. This occurred just four days before they could inaugurate a successor to the late Vhamusanda Samuel Nwendamutswu, Makhadzi Vho Phophi’s oldest son.

Mr Thinawanga Malise highlighted Makhadzi Vho Phophi's invaluable contributions to the community, describing her as a custodian of indigenous knowledge and a highly respected cultural teacher. He said she had never hesitated to impart her knowledge and skills, particularly through the cultural domba dance, which she used as a primary tool to empower young girls and instil cultural values. Her advocacy for self-reliance was demonstrated through initiatives such as backyard vegetable gardens in every household.

Date:28 March 2024

By: Maanda Bele

Maanda  Bele, born and raised in Nzhelele Siloam, studied journalism at the Tshwane University of Technology.

He is passionate about current news and international affairs.

He worked as part of the Zoutnet team as an intern in 2017.

He is currently a freelance journalist specialising in news from the Vhembe district.

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