New Lukwarani leader may be blind, but has bright vision for his people

The recently inaugurated traditional leader of Habudeli Lukwarani outside Thohoyandou, Vhamusanda Michael Muthaphuli, said that the resources in his area should be used in such a way that the local residents reaped the benefits.

Muthaphuli, the only blind traditional leader under senior traditional leader Thovhele Gole Mphaphuli, was installed as a traditional leader of the area during a ceremony officiated by Thovhele Mphaphuli himself. The function, held at the local Lukwarani Sports Grounds, was attended by high-ranking politicians, traditional leaders including Thovhele Nthumeni Masia, and Thulamela Mayor Sarah Rammbuda.

During the ceremony on Saturday, 16 March, Mr Tshedza Muthaphuli was announced as the new ndumi while the new khadzi is Vho Mukondeleli Muthaphuli. The new chief was christened Vhamusanda Vho Ndweleni Muthaphuli.

Speaking and outlining his future plans after his inauguration, Vhamusanda Vho Ndweleni said he was grateful to his family and senior traditional leader Thovhele Gole Mphaphuli for installing him as a leader despite his blindness. “I know I am a disabled person who cannot see, but my brain is not disabled. I am as good a leader as any other normal person, and I will prove many wrong by taking my village to the next level in terms of development,” he said.

According to Vho Ndweleni, his village is fortunate to be surrounded by resources, including the Nandoni Dam and government institutions such as Madzivhandila College situated in the area. “I believe in beneficiation, and this is the recipe we are going to use for development here. The first priority is water. We are just at the banks of the overflowing Nandoni Dam, but my community is still to drink water from this dam.

“We will engage the Vhembe District on this. We cannot have a situation where we are next to the dam but do not have water. The other thing is that our people should be given first preference when it comes to job opportunities that do not require skills at Nandoni and Madzivhandila College. My subjects must benefit here. They cannot be spectators in the economy that is based in their area,” Muthaphuli said.

News - Date: 14 April 2024

Elmon Tshikhudo

Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019.

Email: