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Dzivhuluwani Ralinala was installed as chief in the Dopeni area.
News - Date: 04 November 2017
Following a period of three years during which the community of Dopeni, not far from Nzhelele, was without a chief, a new traditional leader was installed the past weekend.
Chief Khakhathi Ralinala passed away in 2014 and an acting chief, Mr Johannes Ralinala, had to hold the reins since then. The past weekend was, however, one of joy as the late chief’s son, Dzivhuluwani Ralinala, was installed as chief in the area by Mailausumbwa Kennedy Tshivhase.
Even though the weather was very cold, residents from Dopeni and surrounding areas still arrived in large numbers to witness the long-waited official installation of a chief in the area. Tshivhase advised the newly installed chief of Dopeni to trust God and not to trust women and other people as they could execute him.
Dzivhuluwani was given a new name, Lihalimane. This name is believed to stem from one of the most powerful leaders in the history of the Tshivhase clan. Rofhiwa Ralinala was appointed as the chief’s ndumi while Vhulahani Ralinala was made the new khadzi.
The ceremony took place on Saturday at the Royal House in Dopeni and it was witnessed by, among others, the Vhembe District’s executive mayor, Cllr Florence Radzilani, traditional leaders from neighbouring villages and many community members.
While installing the new chief, Mailausumbwa Tshivhase said that the new chief should surround himself with trusted elders who would give him the necessary wisdom to rule his subjects justly. “Be around people you trust, (but) even when you trust them don’t leave a cup of tea and say you’re going to the toilet, because they will kill you,” he said.
He also advised him not to go to taverns and to always respect his throne. He quoted an ancient Venda proverb that states: “Mula tshawe uwa dzumbama” meaning he must do things in a private and in a respected manner. “He is still young, and I would love it if he continues with his studies, because education is important,” he added.
The executive mayor, Cllr Florence Radzilani, wished him well and confirmed that they will work together to benefit the community.
Maanda Bele, born and raised in Nzhelele Siloam, studied journalism at the Tshwane University of Technology.
He is passionate about current news and international affairs.
He worked as part of the Zoutnet team as an intern in 2017.
He is currently a freelance journalist specialising in news from the Vhembe district.
Email: [email protected]
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Mailausumbwa Kennedy Tshivhase installed Lihalimani Ralinala as the new chief of Dopeni, Vhulahani Ralinala as the new khadzi while Rofhiwa Ralinala is the new ndumi.
The newly installed Chief Lihalimane has a taste of traditional beer.
Mailausumbwa Kennedy Tshivhase gives guidance to the newly installed chief Lihalimani and his ndumi, Rofhiwa Ralinala, during the installation.
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