Some disgruntled senior traditional leaders (thovheles) of the Vhavenda say they are worried about representation in terms of leadership within the Limpopo House of Traditional Leaders. This after not one Vhavenda senior traditional leader was elected among the leaders of the house's executive committee.
During the sitting of the Limpopo House of Traditional Leaders, held at the Thulamela Municipality's council chamber early in July this year, Hosi Pheni Ngove was elected as the chairperson of the House. Kgoshi Rammpundu Boleu II was elected as deputy chairperson, while Kgosigadi Mmakgatje Masemola, Hosi Erick Chauke and Kgoshi Ko Lebogo were elected as members of the executive committee.
Hosi Ngove succeeded Kgosi Malesela Solomon Dikgale, who led the house for two terms.
Additionally, Kgosi Dikgale, Hosi Ntsanwisi, and Thovhele Rambuda were elected to represent the National House of Traditional Leaders and Khoi-San leaders.
Thovhele Ratshibvumo II Rambuda was among the dissatisfied parties who felt that the executive committee should consist of national senior leaders from different ethnic groups, such as the Tsonga, Venda and Sotho people.
A meeting between some of the Vhavenda thoveles was held at the Dzanani palace in the Nzhelele area on 15 July. "We decided as senior traditional leaders to meet here to discuss our fate under one roof. We viewed that the Vhavenda senior traditional leaders are not considered in the composition of the executive committee of the house, and it is a worrying factor for us," said Rambuda.
During their meeting, they decided that Thovhele Nthumeni Masia should have been elected as the deputy chairperson of the House. "We also agreed that we can achieve all our suggestions if we work together as united senior traditional leaders. We urged other Vhavenda senior traditional leaders of the Vhavenda who could not attend our first meeting to join us in our second round to discuss our fate," said Rambuda.