On Saturday, 29 April, Princess Phophi Maria Sengani (49) was installed as the first female traditional leader of Matondoni Ha-Sengani outside Thohoyandou, becoming one of the few female traditional leaders under Mailausumbwa Kennedy Tshivhase.
The village of Matondoni has been without a ruler since the passing of the late Khosi Vho-Khaukanani Davenet Sengani in 2018. Since his death, the village had been a battleground for chieftainship squabbles that rendered the village ungovernable and without development, until now.
The installation was held at the Matondoni royal palace and was attended by, among others, Thulamela Mayor Sarah Rammbuda, chiefs under the Tshivhase jurisdiction, relatives and community members.
The new chief was christened Vhamusanda Vho-Mukonanyi. Ms Mpho Sengani was named ndumi and Ms Aluwani Sengani khadzi.
Mailausumbwa Tshivhase said the installation was in line with the country's constitution that allowed women to take up such positions. "The talk about women empowerment, and women placed in positions of power, should be put into practice. This is what we are doing here at Tshivhase. We already have a number of women leading in villages. I urge you as the community to rally behind your new chief for the sake of development in this village," he said.
The new leader said she was ready to turn things around. "Our people have been deprived of much-needed services as a result of petty family squabbles. There is no more time to waste as we move forward. Together with all stakeholders, we have to put all our effort into developing this village. I have noticed that many youths in this village are into drugs. A youth centre, where they will learn skills and play after school, is a priority," she said.
Vho-Khotsimunene Vho-Nnditsheni Themeli could not hide his excitement. "We have suffered enough without a chief. This is the day we all have been waiting for, and this marks an end of the forces of darkness. We will all rally to support our new chief," he said.