An official booklet about the law of succession of the Vhavenda traditional leadership was recently compiled by the Department of Traditional Affairs.

The official booklet was handed over to King Toni Mphephu Ramabulana by officials from the National Department of Traditional Affairs last week. According to them, it will serve to resolve future disputes on succession after traditional leaders pass away.

The handing-over function was held at the 2Ten Sibasa Hotel near Thohoyandou on Thursday and it was attended by some senior traditional leaders of the Vhavenda, officials from CoGSTA and members of the local media. “We understand that there were many cases of disputes and claims from traditional leaders countrywide because of the oral history on succession. It was vital for the department to compile a written document,” said professor Charles Nwaila, director general in the Department of Traditional Affairs.

According to professor Nwaila, the official booklet will also be distributed to national, provincial and local libraries, the Constitutional Court and on the Internet, and even in the archives of the United States of America.

Mphephu Ramabulana expressed his appreciation for the publication and said he hoped it would help to end traditional squabbles.

The station manager of PhalaPhala FM, Mr Freddy Sadiki, said the station had initiated the concept of a traditional exhibition as from next year, aiming to mobilise the Vhavenda’s senior traditional leaders to showcase and specialize in cultural activities.

“We want to restore the respect for traditional leadership and encourage people to take pride in their cultural heritage and promote social cohesion. We hope to hold the activities on an annual basis to build good relationships between communities and traditional leaders,” said Sadiki.