Vhavenda Vho Nthuseni Randima will always be remembered as a royal elder and advisor who strove to protect the existence and dignity of traditional leadership. Vho Nthuseni passed away last Saturday (6 July) at the Donald Fraser Hospital at the age of 65 after battling an illness.

“Vhavenda” is a senior and important royal title given to the elder brother of a traditional leader. Vho Nthuseni served as the elder brother and advisor to Khubvi village’s traditional leader, Vhamusanda Vho Thinawanga Mmbangiseni Randima.

Better known by his nickname of “Makhulu”, Vho Nthuseni was also a skilled motor mechanic who imparted his skills to budding mechanics, many of whom are now successful businesspeople. He was also instrumental in founding the Khubvi Tshikona dance group and actively participated in royal rituals such as the annual thevhula ceremony of the Randima clan that is aimed at appeasing the ancestors.

Vhamusanda Vho Thinawanga Mmbangiseni Randima confirmed the passing of his beloved elder brother to Limpopo Mirror. “It is true that Vhavenda has passed on. The day before he passed away, I visited him in the hospital, and we had a heartfelt discussion about traditional leadership and family rituals. When I left his hospital room, he waved goodbye to me, not knowing that it would be our final farewell. Despite his illness, we hoped for his recovery, so that he could return home and continue to strengthen the Randima traditional leadership in his various roles as one of the few surviving elders.”

Vhamusanda Vho Randima said the family and the people of Khubvi were planning a fitting send-off for his late brother. “We could not believe that our beloved Vhavenda had passed away because he was loved by everyone in the village. Even small children would shout Makhulu at the top of their voices whenever they saw him around the village,” he said.

Daily prayers began at 17:00 at Khubvi Musanda from Tuesday this week, while Vhavenda will be laid to rest at Zwiendeulu zwa Ha Randima (the royal burial site) this coming Saturday (14 July).