A new traditional leader, Vhamusanda Vho Nthembeni Magidi, was inaugurated on Saturday, 18 May, during a ceremony called U dadzwa ha mativha. Thovhele Gole Mphaphuli, who conducted the ritual himself, urged the new leader to love and respect his subjects residing in Hamagidi, which is also called Thohoyandou Unit E. Hamagidi village, situated near the suburb of Thohoyandou Unit D and Sibasa town, had been without a traditional leader for quite a long time.
"There is a Tshivenda saying, 'Vhathu ndi mapfura rhea doliwa,' meaning 'People are like oil; they should be handled with care.' You have to seek advice on development projects that will help create jobs for the community. You will be the leader of all the people living in your village, rich or poor, and you must demonstrate your wisdom by treating them equally and impartially when there are disputes or quarrels," said Thovhele Mphaphuli.
Vhamusanda Vho Nkhodeni Mmbi, with some words of encouragement and well-wishes, said a new traditional leader should always strive to develop his communities, encouraging learners to take education seriously, and not just loiter without attending school. "We want to produce future leaders who are educated. We would like this village to be able to produce engineers and chartered accountants who will shape this country in the right direction. You must always be willing to work under Thovhele Gole Mphaphuli and other traditional leaders. You will be summoned to Mbilwi to attend events such as imbizo and ceremonies when invited," said Vhamusanda Mmbi.
The mayor of Thulamela, Athingozwidivha Rambuda, who also attended the ceremony, said conducting developmental projects in villages without rightful traditional leaders was difficult. Now, as a municipality, they are ready to work with the new traditional leader of Hamagidi.