Words of wisdom ... Mailausumbwa Kennedy Tshivhase (left) gives some tips to the newly installed chiefs, while other senior traditional leaders look on.
News - Date: 17 December 2012
In a strongly worded speech, Mailausumbwa wa Hothe Kennedy Tshivhase lashed out at traditional leaders under his jurisdiction who he says have double loyalty, and they better toe the line or ship out.
Tshivhase was speaking during the installation of three chiefs at Ha-Makhuvha.
Makhuvha is under the “British Empire Region,” which is under Thovhele Nyelisani nne Mphigalale.
The function, which saw three chiefs, Chief Dzudzanani Vha Ha Makhuvha of Ndarieni, Chief Avhurengwi Vhuhosi Makhuvha of Gumbu and Tendani U nnduvha Makhuvha of Vombe installed on the same day, was held on Saturday.
Almost all the chiefs and VhoThovhele under the Tshivhase Kingdom attended the function.
Speaking at the ceremony, Tshivhase, without mentioning names, said there were certain traditional leaders who were misleading the community and causing divisions in the community. "We know who you are and what you are doing and we are warning you that we will soon deal with you decisively. You must know that we are the owners of the land and we just installed you to look after our people. We have the power to demote chiefs, and whoever feels that he wants to leave our kingdom, should just do that and leave us in peace," added Tshivhase.
Tshivhase thanked the community for having rallied around the Tshivhase Kingdom and making it possible for the day to be realised. “It was not easy. We have been waiting for this day and we are just happy that it finally arrived. We urge everyone in the community to respect the new leaders. We will not allow anything that comes straight to us without having passed through them," he said.
Regarding the many installations, Tshivhase was quick to point out that it was a way of reinforcing the Tshivhase Kingdom, and for good governance. "We have a vast land and are empowering traditional leaders and promoting them to positions of authority. We want to see power decentralized. This will relieve us of the burden and will ensure that there will be development in our areas,” he stated.
He said they had already promoted five chiefs to the rank of Thovhele and their target was to have 25 Thovhele, each with his own region, which would make it easier to govern the people. "What we are doing is guided by an act of parliament and is known by government. We will continue installing chiefs and promoting them for the good of the people," he said.