The senior traditional leader of Tshimbupfe, Thovhele Advocate Tshedza Netshimbupfe, has called for unity, accountability and meaningful development during the installation of Vhamusanda Vho Ntshavheni Richard Mutavhatsindi as the new traditional leader of Mudziafere.
His royal name is Vhamusanda Vho Shumisanani Kharishumisane Tshikukuvhe. He is the son of Johannes Mambo Khorombi and Shonisani Mutavhatsindi.
During the ceremony, Ms Rouna Nkhangweleni Ralikhuvhana was named khadzi, while Mr Zwiitwaho Edward Mutavhatsindi was appointed ndumi. The ceremony was held in Mudziafere on Saturday, 20 June.
Addressing a gathering of traditional leaders, councillors, community members and youth, Netshimbupfe described the inauguration as a celebration of culture, continuity and renewed purpose. He urged the newly installed traditional leader to lead with humility, wisdom and fairness, reminding him that traditional leadership carries not only authority but also profound responsibility to protect customs, care for communal land and serve all households without discrimination.
“Your role is to listen, mediate and lead with wisdom. May your decisions be guided by the values of our forebears and by the needs of our children,” he said.
Netshimbupfe outlined the history of the Mudziafere traditional leadership genealogy, explaining that it was bestowed on Vho Makhadzi Vho Mavhungu Mudzunga by Mutahabvu Thovhele Vho Tshivhase Netshimbupfe in recognition of loyalty to the Netshimbupfe royal house. The chieftaincy was later inherited by her son, Johannes Khorombi Mutavhatsindi, in 1989. His death in 2014 left the traditional seat vacant.
He said the new traditional leader had received official recognition from the Limpopo government years ago and had patiently awaited his inauguration. He also used the occasion to stress the importance of ensuring that development projects benefit local communities, saying any investment on communal land should create jobs, provide skills training, support local businesses and contribute to community development initiatives.
“We will insist that development brings real benefits to our people through fair compensation, local employment opportunities and transparent governance structures,” he said.
Among the dignitaries attending the ceremony were Thovhele Davhana, Thovhele Nngwekhulu, Thovhele Madzivhandila and Thovhele Thivhulawi Makumbane, as well as delegations from Rambuda and Lwamondo.