The death of Chief Andries Mashamba of Tshivhuyuni has been described as a big loss to the village and the Tshivhuyuni royal house. The 70-year-old traditional leader died on 13 January after a short illness at Elim hospital.
He was buried on 16 January at Tshiendeulu tsha vhakololo on the Tshivhuyuni mountain and the burial was attended by only a few family members under strict Covid-19 regulations.
Thovhele Vho-Nndweleni Mashamba described the late chief as someone who had strived for development in his area and who had performed his duties with distinction. "In Tshivhuyuni, we had a great leader who had a good working relationship with us. He was very humble and listened to his seniors. He was always willing and ready to learn, which made him judge cases fairly," he said. Mashamba expressed his condolences to the family.
Family spokesperson Ms Edna Mashamba said they would remember the late chief as a hardworking person who had unified the family and had had a vision to develop his people. He made sure that the family was united, he would attend all family gatherings while at the same time encouraging others to be united. "Through him, a lot of development has taken place here," she said.