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News - Date: 28 March 2003
THOHOYANDOU - After declaring that Chief Toni Mphephu Ramabulana is their King, senior traditional leaders in Venda are going to meet today, March 28, to discuss the Paramount Chiefs' positions.
During a meeting that was held in the old parliament on February 21, 23 senior Chiefs of Venda took a resolution that their King is Mphephu. Only Chief Kennedy Midiyavhathu Tshivhase, objected, while threatening, "to go to the highest court" if the government implements the decision.
Chiefs Jeffrey Ramovha and Fhumulani Kutama submitted the resolution to the Office of the Premier of Limpopo. Premier Ramathlodi forwarded the resolution to the national Minister of Local Government and Provincial Affairs, Sydney Mufamadi, who will attend to it and respond within a reasonable time.
While waiting for the government's response, the chiefs said they were still going to meet today to discuss the issue of Paramount Chiefs, of which Tshivhase is one of the candidates.
However, Tshivhase, who is also an ANC member of the provincial legislature, said he was not going to attend the meeting. He maintained that it was impossible for him to be ruled by Mphephu as "that empire collapsed long ago."
"Historically, it is not possible for us, Tshivhases, to be ruled by Mphephu. That empire collapsed long ago. Since we left Dzata, we never claimed it back. It could be better if Ravhura was claiming to be a King. There is no way I can listen to these chiefs who are biased because Mphephu promoted them in the 1950's", he added.
"According to me, there must be three Kings here. Tshivhase, Mphephu and Mphaphuli are Kings in their own areas. Even the government cannot implement this," said Tshivhase.
However, Chief Kutama, said there is no way a resolution can be reversed. He said they have waited too long to see their rightful King get the recognition he deserves. Ramovha also added that they were hopeful that the government is going to implement what the Chiefs resolved, as the history says. When asked if the new King will get the same budget to that of King Goodwill Zwelithini, Kutama said it would be up to the government to decide.
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