Like many Vhavenda clans, the Sikhwivhilu clan has experienced leadership disputes, echoing the wisdom of the Tshivenda saying "Vhuhosi vhu nakwa u vhangiwa" – meaning that in Vhavenda culture, succession to the throne often comes with conflict.
However, after internal consultations, the khadzis and makhotsimunene finally identified whom they believed to be the rightful new leader of the Sikhwivhilu clan in Ngovhela village.
On Thursday, 1 May, Vhamusanda Vho Ndo Swika Nne Talifhani Sikhwivhilu was officially installed during a traditional ceremony known as u dadzwa ha mativha. Thovhele Mailausumbwa Kennedy Tshivhase personally conducted the rituals.
Thovhele Tshivhase condemned the ongoing disputes over traditional leadership, saying these conflicts posed a serious threat to cultural stability and succession processes. He urged those inciting division to stop.
According to Tshivhase, the new leader's name – Ndo Swika Nne Talifhani – was chosen because since the passing of Vhamusanda Tshitondovhe Sikhwivhilu in 2023, Ngovhela village had experienced instability, including a rise in crime and internal family conflicts over the throne.
"I don't choose the rightful heir to the throne," he said. "As a senior traditional leader and head of the Tshivhase dynasty, I allow the clan, with assistance from the khadzis and makhotsimunene, to deliberate. Once they reach a decision, they inform me, so I can perform the necessary rituals. We hope that the new traditional leader will bring development to his area. With his wisdom as a young leader, Ngovhela could become a village free from crimes such as burglary, housebreaking, murder and rape, which have been reported at high levels," Tshivhase said.
He added that the newly installed leader would be one of the 79 officially recognised traditional leaders under the Tshivhase dynasty. He urged him to attend regular meetings and imbizos when summoned to Luaname in Mukumbani village, the capital of the dynasty.
During the installation, Thabelo Sikhwivhilu was appointed ndumi (headman), while Mmberengeni Sikhwivhilu was named khadzi (female advisor). Both were urged to work closely with the new traditional leader to support development in Ngovhela.