By Elmon Tshikhudo and Maanda Bele
The Vhavenda nation is mourning the passing of one of its most respected traditional figures, former acting king Khotsimunene Vho Mavhungu David "Japan" Mphephu, who died on Wednesday, 22 October, after a long illness. He was 86.
Born on 3 February 1939 at Dzanani Thondoni, Vho Japan was the son of King George Mbulaheni Mphephu Ramabulana and Muthelo Meriam Ravele Mphephu. His father affectionately gave him the nickname "Japan," a name that would follow him through a lifetime of service, leadership and dedication to his people.
The Ramabulana Royal Family has confirmed that Vho Japan will be laid to rest on Friday, 31 October, with a public funeral service to be held at the Mphephu High School Sports Grounds, starting at 09:00, followed by a private royal burial at Dzanani Musanda in the evening.
Family spokesman Ntsieni Mphephu said the family had met on Sunday and agreed on the date and arrangements for the royal funeral.
"Vho Japan was a people's person, and we are expecting mourners from across the country and the political spectrum. A public funeral will give his people a chance to bid him farewell before the private royal burial later in the evening, which will be attended by selected royals in line with royal protocols," said Ntsieni.
Vho Japan's journey was marked by excellence and purpose from a young age. He attended Dzanani Lower Primary, Nzhelele Higher Primary and Mphephu High School, where his academic brilliance earned him promotion from Form 1 straight to Form 3 — an achievement that earned him a special award.
He worked for the Department of Public Works, later joining the South African Railways as a train ticket examiner in Johannesburg, where he met his future wife, Sylvia Mususumeli Nemaguvhuni.
The couple married in 1963 and were blessed with three children and several great-grandchildren.
During the establishment of the Republic of Venda, Vho Japan joined the Venda Defence Force in 1982, where he served as a military intelligence officer and took part in joint operations with the South African Defence Force in Namibia.
Beyond his military and administrative service, he played a crucial role in the royal family's affairs. He chaired the Mphephu Royal Council, overseeing the installation of traditional leaders and resolving disputes within the Mphephu Territorial Council.
In 2022, the Ramabulana royal family appointed him acting king of the Vhavenda Nation, citing his age, wisdom and deep understanding of traditional governance. However, his appointment was never formally recognised by the Limpopo provincial government. In December of that year, the High Court dismissed an application by the royal family to compel recognition, as the kingship dispute between Princess Masindi Mphephu and Toni Mphephu remains unresolved.
His cousin, Prince Simon Ramovha, described him as "an archive and a mobile library" on Vhavenda culture.
"We have been together since 1956, and I can tell you Vho Japan made his presence felt wherever he was. He had a vast knowledge of Vhavenda traditions and the Mphephu Ramabulana kingship. There was never a dull moment with him," said Ramovha.
Vho Japan will be remembered as a unifier, fearless leader and custodian of Venda culture, whose life embodied the spirit of service to his people.
Regarding a successor, there has been no clarity. A close family member said it was too early to talk about it as the family would have to sit after the burial and chart the way forward.