Vho-Japan appointed as new regent of Vhavenda

By Elmon Tshikhudo A seemingly slightly reluctant Masindi Mphephu-Ramabulana accepted the appointment of her grandfather, Vhavenda Mavhungu David Mphephu, better known as Vho-Japan, as the regent or temporary king of the Vhavenda. The royal family announced on Tuesday that Vho-Japan will serve in this position until such time as the courts have provided clarity on the kingship issue.

“The Princess wishes to congratulate her grandfather and reiterates her conviction that the matter can be ventilated without any further legal wrangling. She remains open to engagements with the family. Once more, the Princess thanks the family for this positive step towards the right direction,” the statement released by the Masindi Mphephu Foundation reads.

The Ramabulana royal family came under a lot of pressure the past few months to appoint a regent in the place of Toni Mphephu Ramabulana.

Princess Masindi believes kingship issue can still be resolved outside the courts

The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) initially allowed him to continue in an acting capacity after this court had overturned the decision of former president Jacob Zuma to appoint him as king.

The matter then went to the Constitutional Court and in November last year this court set aside the privileges claimed by Toni Mphephu Ramabulana. The judges agreed with Masindi’s legal team that this inevitably leads to a situation where the regent has no reason to change the status quo. Fear existed that Toni would unnecessarily delay the court process, because finalising the case was not in his interest.

The ConCourt ruling initially did not speed up matters, and only after pressure was applied on the government to stop paying Toni’s salary did the process gain momentum.

In December last year, the Limpopo Mirror reported on a R5,7 million security contract awarded by the Department of Co-operative Government, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta) for Toni Mphephu-Ramabulana’s protection. At that stage, he was also still receiving his salary of R1,2 million per year and benefits. This was only stopped at the end of January this year.

The initial fears were that the royal family would simply re-elect Toni as regent, but this did not happen and, following preliminary meetings and postponements, a decision was made earlier this week to appoint Vho-Mavhungu David Mphephu.

Even though Masindi refers to Vho-Japan as her grandfather, he is actually an uncle of hers on her late father’s side. He is the younger brother of both Toni and Masindi’s fathers.

Vhavenda Royal family spokesperson Ntsieni Ramabulana said that the family had taken a long time to come to the decision on the matter to avoid making mistakes. “His appointment was unanimous, with no one opposing the name in the family,” Ramabulana said.

“He is the most suitable candidate in the family, taking into consideration his age and his experience in traditional governance. He has been around for some time, and we have no doubt he will lead this nation and family with distinction, until such time the court case is finalised,” Ramabulana said.

Commenting after the announcement was made, Thovhele Luvhaivhai Tshivhase of the Tshivhase Dynasty applauded the family for its decision.

“At long last it seems as if there is light at the end of the tunnel. Mphephu is the right person, and we believe this will give the family enough time to think and do the right thing by installing the rightful heir to the throne,” Tshivhase said.

Vhavenda Mavhungu David Mphephu, better known as Vho-Japan, was appointed as the regent or temporary king of the Vhavenda.

ESTATE AUCTION SATURDAY 5 MARCH

At 3 Mile turn • Time: 11:00 Wood work equipment, tools and much more

De Beers Venetia Mine donated 300 pairs of new school shoes and 52 boxes of sanitary towels to the Blouberg and Musina Local Municipalities to be distributed to 24 schools in their labour-sending communities last week. The donation is one of many corporate social-investment programme initiatives undertaken by the mine. In accepting the donation on behalf of the schools within the Musina area, Mayor Nkhanedzeni Godfrey Mawela said the donation could not have come at a better time as many parents from disadvantaged backgrounds had been struggling to afford essential items for their children in the run-up to the start of the new school year. Pictured from left to right are Musina Municipality’s representatives Cllr Corlett Nematshavhawe (Ward 3), Cllr Victor Manavhela (Head: Local Economic Development and Technical Services), Cllr Fistos Mafela (Chief Whip), Livhuwani Nwachukwu (Senior Manager, Socio-Economic development, De Beers Venetia Mine), Mayor Mawela, Phillip Tshivhundo (Security Manager De Beers Venetia Mine), Cllr Evelyn Siyaphi Shirilele (Speaker) and Nathi Tshiwanammbi (Municipal Manager).

By Maanda Bele With the temperature exceeding 30 degrees Celsius in the Nzhelele valley on Saturday afternoon, 11-year-old Orifha Netshiavha and 12-year-old Ntsieni Tshikonwane, along with five other friends, decided to go for a swim in the Nzhelele River near Mphaila village. No-one expected that Orifha and Ntsieni would never return from this fun outing.

The two boys left their home

Two boys drown in Nzhelele river

at Tshikhudo village, near Dzanani, and walked for roughly two and a half kilometres to reach the river.

Ms Delicious Nevhutalu, Orifha’s aunt, said he had told her he was going to play when he left home. She assumed that the boys went swimming because it was very hot. “I was busy attending my meetings when I received a call, telling me that two boys had drowned. We were later told that they are from Ha-Tshikhudo. My heart nearly stopped,” she recalled.

“We were told that they were jumping in and out of the water. This is very hard for the family to accept, but the community have been very supporting since all this started. We are very grateful,” she said.

The spokesperson of the SAPS’ Makhado Cluster, Sgt Tshifhiwa Radzilani, confirmed the incident. The police are still investigating the matter.

Orifha’s funeral was set to take place at Ha-Tshikhudo on Thursday (3rd).