The statue of one of the most powerful chiefs, a businessman and a community builder of the Tshivhase dynasty, was unveiled during a traditional ceremony held at Tshidimbini village, north of Thohoyandou, last week.

Chief Makwarela Ratshitanga Manezhe ruled the Ngulumbi village with distinction after he took over from his late father, Mudzunga Manenzhe. Makwarela is the father of Thiofhi Ratshitanga, the PRO of Eskom Thohoyandou Area.

The celebrated chief was born at Gondeni village. His father, Mudzunga, was a chief at Gondeni and he was also the commander of the Tshivhase army. Mudzunga lost his eyesight and moved to Ngulumbi where he later died. Makwerela then took over the leadership of Ngulumbi village. Makwarela participated and won many wars during his lifetime.

He also participated in the First World War. After the First World War, he started farming at Ngulumbi and Mulenzhe villages.

In 1926, Makwarela built a school at Ngulumbi which he funded from his own pocket. He paid the teachers on his own until the school was taken over by the Presbyterian Church.

He was among the first people to introduce a butchery in Venda when he built one at Vondwe village in 1940. He became so business-minded that he built a shop at Tshitavha and another one at Madimbo.

In a tribute scripture from his son Thiofhi, entitled Our Special Father, a one-time visionary leader and a lover for all, he wrote: "Our father died almost 30 years ago, but left an indelible mark on his children and innumerable other people because of his authenticity, generous spirit as well as the force of his personality. As in the case of our father, to be a great dad, one must be a person of character and integrity. One should lead a life of transparency that enables one to be a steadfast example for one’s children. For one to become a great dad, reflecting and resembling the features of our father, it would mean that one should love one’s family unconditionally. This is how we will always remember our father best. He was a hero of his own history."