Four distinguished scholars were honoured by Thovhele Vho-Mailausumbwa MPK Tshivhase for their academic achievements that put the Tshivhase Dynasty on the international map. The honorary ceremony was held at the University of Venda on Saturday, 26 November.
Prof Tshilidzi Marwala, vice-chancellor and principal of the University of Johannesburg, was recently appointed as rector of the United Nations University and will assume his responsibilities, based in Tokyo, Japan, in 2023.
Prof Mashudu Tshifularo, who is an otolaryngologist, led the first team in the world to use 3D-printed bones for reconstructive middle-ear implants at the University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital in 2019.
Dr Bernard Nthambeleni, the vice-chancellor and principal of the University of Venda, is an accomplished and successful executive manager with more than 24 years of experience in the National System of Innovation landscape of South Africa.
Dr Vhutshilo Netshituni-Loff is an experienced healthcare practitioner who qualified, first as a paediatrician in 2014, and then as a paediatric oncologist in 2016. She subsequently commenced her duty at the Pietersburg Tertiary Hospital in Polokwane's Paediatric Oncology Unit. She is currently head of the clinical unit of paediatric oncology - the only paediatric oncology unit in the Limpopo Province – providing much-needed skills.
Speaking during the function, Dr Alan Budeli, who spent more than 20 years in exile fighting for the liberation of this country, detailed the lineage of the Tshivhase Dynasty, from its first leader, Thovhele Vele Raluswielo Tshivhase, to the current leader, Thovhele Vho-MPK Tshivhase.
He had the delegates, who included Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela and Judge Raulinga, laughing when he said that it was no secret that chiefs of the Tshivhase dynasty "are real men when it comes to women. The second leader of the dynasty, Thovhele Luvhengo Mukhesi Ramarumo Tshivhase, had 365 wives and made all of them happy".
Thovhele MPK Tshivhase told the four scholars that they were the light and trendsetters of the Tshivhase tribe and encouraged them to do more for the Tshivhase kingdom, which has 85 chiefs under its jurisdiction. "Keep the light shining for all to benefit. Do more and encourage others to do the same. You are the light of the world, and we are very proud of you," he said.