Vhamusanda Vho-Ratshinyiwaho II Themeli was installed as new traditional leader for Ngwenani Ha-Themeli, near Ngovhela, on Saturday, 27 May. Hundreds of people gathered at the Ngwenani Ha-Themeli Sports Grounds to witness the installation.
Thovhele Mailausumbwa Midiyavhathu Tshivhase, who conducted the installation himself, told the gathering that the new traditional leader would be called Ratshinyiwaho.
Thovhele Tshivhase said chieftain disputes were rife in some clans. He warned clans to stop such fighting as this only derailed service delivery. "Communities need water, electricity and better roads, but when a clan is in dispute, no one has the authority to lead the people as there is no legitimate ruler. I have installed a new traditional leader here at Ngwenani Ha-Themeli, which means that Vhamusanda Ratshinyiwaho II Themeli is now the legitimate ruler of this village and people should respect him and his council," he said.
Tshivhase advised the new ruler to forgive those who had fought with him and taken him to court, arguing that he was not the real heir to the throne. Instead, he said, the new traditional leader must work with them for the development of his village.
Lavhelesani Themeli, who has now stepped down as acting traditional leader of Ngwenani Ha-Themeli village, said he was happy that, after the chieftainship disputes, Vhamusanda Ratshinyiwaho II Themeli was finally installed as the rightful heir to the throne.
"It has been a difficult journey for me since the death of Vhamusanda Mugowashango Themeli in 2020, because there had been so much infighting for the throne. I used to pray to God that the family squabbles must come to an end, and we finally got our rightful heir," said Lavhelesani Themeli.
He pledged to work with and support the new chief.