New traditional leader installed at Mauluma village

A new traditional leader was installed in Mauluma village last Friday during a glittering ceremony filled with jubilation. The community spent almost 18 months without a traditional leader and the installation of the new chief was a joyous occasion.

The chief, ndumi and khadzi were escorted from the royal kraal’s main house to the tent. As tradition prescribes, they were covered in blankets while a group of men played Tshivenda traditional music, Tshikona.  The three traditional leaders' faces were revealed inside the tent and elders ululated to signify the excitement.

Chief Ramaano Ressouw Ravele was installed in the presence of other traditional leaders, some of the local politicians and hundreds of members from the local community and the surrounding areas. Chief Ravele succeeds Chief Nndwayamionwa Oliver Ravele, who passed away in February 2012. The new reigning traditional leader was given a royal name, “Muthu-ha-thomi”, as he began his leadership role.

Musandiwa Ravele was installed as the new khadzi whilst Nemiah Ravele was installed as the new ndumi.

During the installation ceremony, Khotsimunene Vho-Japan Mphephu Ramabulana said the darkness of the storm had finally gone, referring to the period spent by the community without a leader. 

Vho-Japan urged other leaders and the Ravele royal council to co-operate with their new leader. “The leadership role is not as easy as it looks. You work tirelessly for your people. He (Chief Ramaano) should be assisted by other leaders when he seeks help,” said Vho-Japan.

Vho-Japan added that the new chief should co-operate with other leaders and work with his people and the king of the Vha-Venda for the benefit of the Mauluma community. “This job is not fascinating. The tree we have planted here today is a community tree, it should grow and stay strong for the benefit of the community,” he said.

He also told the gathering that only the khotsimunene and khadzi had the authority to install the leader. Vha-Musanda Vho Magadani from the Mphephu Territorial Council urged the new leader to interact with the people of his community and work with all the institutions within the community.

The mayor of Makhado Local Municipality, Cllr David Mutavhatsindi, said that he attended the ceremony to emphasise the strength of the relationship between traditional leaders and politicians. “When I know the leader in this community, it helps us (politicians) to deliver service in a transparent manner and to understand the needs of the people,” said Mutavhatsindi.

News - Date: 03 October 2014

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