Ms Phophi Mphephu Ramabulana, the late makhadzi of the Vhavenda kingdom, will not be buried at the royal Tshiendeulu burial site but next to her children at Tshavhalovhedzi.
The royal family spokesperson, Mr Ntsieni Ramabulana, stated that the funeral arrangements were being finalised. He confirmed that a private burial ceremony will be held on Friday, 1 November, for family members, followed by a public memorial service on Saturday, 2 November.
Makhadzi Vho Phophi, as she was affectionately known, passed away at her home on Sunday morning (27 October) after a long, unspecified illness. She was 93 years old.
She was one of the Vhavenda Royal House's most respected leaders and, on numerous occasions, served as the acting head of the Vhavenda kingdom. Among her many duties, the Khadzi also had the final say in selecting an heir to the throne.
Tragically, her passing comes at a time of turmoil within the royal family, which has been embroiled in a bitter leadership dispute for over a decade. At the centre of this feud are cousins Toni Mphephu Ramabulana and Princess Masindi Mphephu Ramabulana. Masindi successfully challenged the installation of Toni Mphephu Ramabulana as king, and two years ago, the courts stripped him of his powers.
After Toni's powers were revoked, Makhadzi Vho Phophi was asked to step in as acting leader but declined, citing her advanced age. Her brother, Vhavenda Vho David Mphephu, known as Vho Japan, is currently serving as the acting leader of the Vhavenda.
After news of her passing was made public, tributes poured in for what many described as an exceptional person. One significant tribute came from Princess Masindi Mphephu Ramabulana, who, through her Masindi Mphephu Foundation, issued a brief statement calling her aunt a family pillar.
"We, as the Masindi Mphephu Foundation, feel robbed by the passing of Vho-Makhadzi Phophi Ramabulana. A dark cloud has descended on the Venda nation, especially in Dzanani. She was a pillar to the Venda nation, and now that pillar is broken. May her soul rest in peace, Singo la Masingo, Dadzwana la Makhado. As a foundation, we are heartbroken," she said.
The late makhadzi's brother, Vhavenda Vho Japan, expressed his deep sorrow over her death, describing it as a tremendous loss.
"Makhadzi Vho Phophi was a pillar of our family. She was everything to us - my sister, mother, and friend. She was a living library and archive, and during these turbulent times for our royal family, she was our advisor, always offering guidance. We will never forget her role, and to show that a great person has left us, it rained heavily after a long drought in our area, and again the following day. Our family is in deep mourning, and we will honour her wish to be buried next to her children at Tshavhalovhedzi," he said.