The death of Vhamusanda Vho-Nthambeleni Musekwa has left villagers and the Musekwa royal house with great sadness. The 73-year-old traditional leader died on Thursday, 17 June, after a prolonged illness.
The news, which spread like wildfire, was met with condolences pouring in from all corners of the country.
"Musekwa will always be remembered for the role he played in the struggle against apartheid," said the chairperson of the Musekwa royal council, Mr Nndwamato Musekwa. "We will remember the late chief as a hardworking man who unified the family and had a vision to develop his people. Through him, various developments had taken place here."
Makhado Mayor Samuel Munyai also paid tribute to Musekwa. "He was a great traditional leader who sacrificed his life to serve his people with distinction. He played a major role in relation to community development initiatives, and we are grateful for the contributions he made. Although we are saddened by his departure, we will remember all the good things he did while he was alive."
Khosikhulu Vho-Toni Mphephu Ramabulana described the late Musekwa as someone who strived for development in his area. "We had a great leader here in Musekwa. He was a very humble man; always willing and ready to learn something, which made him a fair judge in addressing problems."
Musekwa was buried on Saturday, 19 June, at the Tshiendeulu burial grounds at Mamvuka.