The rural village of Mbilwi-Tshikweta, just outside Thohoyandou, was buzzing with excitement on Saturday, 17 September, when one of the royal women of the Ha-Mphaphuli clan, Makhadzi Thizwilondi Mphaphuli, was ordained as the Archbishop of the Holiness in Christ Apostolic Church.
Ululations and worship songs were the order of the day and Bishop Phalanndwa Rabada of the Apostolic Holy Messenger Church in Zion urged the new Archbishop to work for all people, regardless of whether they are members of her congregation.
"She should put the people first, as many will come to her church with the need for prayers and spiritual healing. It is her responsibility to unite the people in church as she will be leading bishops, pastors, evangelists and congregations at large," said Bishop Rabada.
"We further urge her to dream big, even though she will be leading one of the rural-based churches, which will hopefully go from strength to strength. We want Archbishop Mphaphuli to always pray for the people's needs and problems, because prayers are the key to miracles and conquers all demons."
Bishop Rabada said that being an Archbishop entailed handling and running the office administration of the church. She added that her given responsibility was to work hard in leading the church in the right direction.
Thovhele Gole Mphaphuli, one of the senior Vhavenda traditional leaders, promised that the royal Mphaphuli clan would support her.