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News - Date: 15 April 2011
He was a visionary who prioritized development in his village and the surrounding areas. Most of the development in the area came as a result of his initiatives, such as the first school in the area. The church was also the result of his vision for a better community.
He started a church at the royal palace, which served as a school by day and as a centre for traditional dancing classes for the youth after hours. He formed a formal school in 1912, which went on to serve most of the neighbouring villages as there was no school at the time. As a result, many people were educated in the area.
He died in 1945, but the village and the country still remember his good deeds. This weekend, his community gathered at the local sports field to pay a fitting tribute to this great man. The late Chief Joel Takalani Tshivhase´s life was relived during Mukula Village´s centenary celebrations.
The event was attended by high-profile people such as Vho-Thovhele Midiyavhathu Tshivhase, Mr Joe Maswanganyi, the ANC Limpopo general secretary, MEC George Phadagi, the deputy speaker of the Limpopo legislature, Ms Merriam Ramadwa, SABC Limpopo combo general manager Mr Victor Ravhuanzwo, senior traditional leaders from all over Vhembe, chiefs, businesspeople and thousands of community members. During the function,the history of the village and its leaders was read by well-known historian Dr Mphaya Nemudzivhadi.
The present incumbent, Chief Mphatele Takalani, said as a community they had decided to acknowledge the extraordinary contributions made by a humble but fearless leader who fought for the betterment of his community. “When the community first settled here, there was nothing. This humble leader, however, made sure that a school was built and that a church was also built. He knew that education formed the foundation of all development,” said Takalani. He said the late chief had laid a good foundation on which they were still building to htis day.
Vho Thovhele Midiyavhathu Tshivhase said traditional leaders should draw lessons from the leadership style of their forebears. He said the late Chief Joel Takalani was a true visionary and revolutionary who fought for the betterment of his people.
The Deputy Water and Environmental Affairs Minister, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi, said she was humbled to be part of the celebrations. “I am elated by the hospitality afforded to me by the traditional leader and the whole community of Mukula. It is humbling to be part of this august event whereby the community underscores the milestones achieved since the arrival of chief Joel Takalani Tshivhase in 1911,” she said.
Joel Takalani Tshivhase was deployed to Mukula by his brother, Ramaremisa Tshivhase, in 1911. He passed away in 1945 and was followed by Naphtal Ramushasha Takalani, who ruled till 1966.
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. He currently writes on a freelance basis, covering human rights issues, court news and entertainment.
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