More than 7,000 people from across the Vhembe District and the country at large converged at the Makonde royal palace last Friday to witness the handing over of the certificate of recognition to Vhamusanda Vho Tshedza Ravhura as the traditional leader of Makonde village.

When Vhamusanda Ravhura arrived, he was accompanied by elders of the Ravhura royal family and local traditional leaders. This prompted ululations from the crowd while the Makonde Tshikona traditional dancers blew their horns, facing the sacred Nwali enclaves, where it is believed Nwali Mutumbuka vhathu once visited to communicate with the Venda people.

Led by seasoned Makonde-born musicians such as Shufflers Ragimana and Saul Nephawe, a dozen or so artists entertained the guests who packed the royal palace, as well as those seated on the nearby hilltop.

Speaking during the celebrations, the provincial representative of the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO), Mr Nthambeleni Malume, who is also a resident of Makonde village, said they would work with their traditional leader and the royal family. “We promise our traditional leader and the royal family that as SANCO, we are not here to participate in traditional affairs, but to assist in the development of the community,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Ravhura royal family, Mr Muvhumbe Ravhura said that the area of Makonde had been chosen by Nwali for the Ravhura clan to inhabit and oversee his subjects. “When Lukhevhedzhane Ravhura left Dzanani, he was guided by Nwali's light until he arrived here. This is a sacred place. Nwali's enclaves are here. He is the one guiding us to honour our traditional leader as he assumes his throne,” he said.

The traditional leader of Tshaulu, Vhamusanda Vho Ntsedzeni Bohwana, said the recognition certificate was for both the royal family and the people of Makonde. “I call on all of you to unite and support your traditional leader for the development of this area,” she said.