The traditional leader of Tshivhongweni village, Vhamusanda Vho Lindelani Mutshutshu Gerson Netshivhongweni, will be remembered as a leader who strove to improve the lives of his subjects throughout his 38-year reign on the throne. Tshivhongweni village, where Vho Netshivhongweni ruled, is situated on the eastern side of Muswodi, roughly 75km west of Musina.
Vho Netshivhongweni was born on 26 March 1957. He passed away on Saturday, 2 March, only a few weeks before his 67th birthday, after falling ill. He was laid to rest according to the royal family's traditions last Saturday, 9 March, at the local Zwiendeulu zwa Tshivhongweni (sacred graveyard).
The late traditional leader was a familiar figure in government and municipal offices, mobilising resources and services to come to his village. He was always in attendance at various government and municipal public-participation meetings, raising service-delivery challenges for his village.
Senior traditional leader Thovhele Vho Hanyani Tshikundamalema said the passing of Vhamusanda Netshivhongweni was a terrible loss to the entire Tshikundamalema kingdom and the people of Tshivhongweni. He said the leader had been a reliable person who had been readily available when needed. He urged the Tshivhongweni royal family to remain united and observe the mourning period in a manner that upheld the dignity of their beloved departed traditional leader.
Musina Mayor Nkhanedzeni Godfrey Mawela was equally shocked by the passing of the highly respected leader. He said: "His passing has left a void because he was a distinctive traditional leader who was very passionate about service delivery. Besides coming to our meetings, he would invite us to his royal house to address service delivery issues affecting his village. We have lost a true leader whose contribution to community development will remain with us forever."