Members of the community and several traditional leaders around the Vhembe District, along with Makhado Mayor Samuel Munyai and Vhembe District Executive Mayor Dowelani Nenguda, witnessed the installation of the new chief of Songozwi village, Vhamusanda Vho-Jeffrey Mukondeleli Mphephu Ramabulana on Saturday (29th).
When installing the new traditional leader, a senior traditional leader, Thovhele Vho-Mavis Mphephu Ramabulana, said a new chapter in the Songozwi village leadership had been opened. "I hereby officially announce that this is your new traditional leader. Whoever disobeys him will indicate that he also does not respect me as I put the new chief in power. His new traditional leadership name is 'Makhado III,' she said.
Ramabulana urged the community and the family to give their support to the new traditional leader. She also advised the new chief to conduct himself in an exemplary manner and not mix with the wrong people. She added that the new traditional leader should "not become big-headed" and warned him that he would be dethroned if he was not prepared to take instructions.
She urged the residents to give the new leader "complete respect as you did to his forefather". She also told the new traditional leader that he was installed during a time of transformation "and you have to join the train and never agree to be left behind".
Vhembe Mayor Dowelani Nenguda advised the new traditional leadership to work hand in hand with different stakeholders for the development of his society. He said that he attended the ceremony to emphasise the strength of the relationship between traditional leaders and politicians.
Vhamusanda Vho-Makhado III Ramabulana told the gathering that his installation marked a new beginning for the people of Songozwi. "We need development here, and we are happy that the basics like water and electricity are already here. I will follow in my father's footsteps and not let my people down," he said.