Elmon Tshikhudo
The Vhavenda nation is waiting in anticipation to find out who will lead them.
This follows an announcement by the Mphephu Ramabulana family that they would be meeting on Wednesday to come up with a name of an incumbent to lead the nation.
In November, the Constitutional Court relieved regent king Toni Mphephu of his powers and left the Vhavenda nation without a king.
This followed a failed 2019 appeal application by Mphephu against a judgment which set aside the decision to appoint him king.
Speculation is rife as to who would take over the reins. Sources from the inner circle of the family members disclosed to Scrolla.Africa that Thomas Mphephu, a businessman and son of the late Nkhanedzeni Freddy Mphephu, is tipped to take over.
His father was supposed to have ascended to the kingship throne but his younger brother Patrick Mphephu was mistakenly unveiled as king by the Makhadzi.
Speaking after hearing of the announcement, Chief Luvhaivhai Tshivhase of the Tshivhase dynasty said he was hopeful the Mphephu family would do things differently and correct their mistake by choosing the rightful heir to the throne.
“This matter has been going on for a long time and has been an embarrassment to the family and the Vhavenda nation. We have over a period of time as experts in the field given advice on the matter but that fell on deaf ears,” said Tshivhase, who is also a cultural champion.
“This would not have degenerated into this mess had they heeded our advice and calls for things to be done correctly. We are the custodians of the Vhavenda history and culture and we know who the true Vhavenda leaders are.”
Mphephu royal family spokesperson Ntsieni Ramabulana confirmed a family meeting is to be held on Wednesday.
“We are adhering to the court’s ruling. There is a vacuum in the family that should be filled and hopefully a name will be chosen of a leader who will lead the nation and the family while the matter is still in the hands of the courts,” he said.
Meanwhile the Limpopo government last week officially stopped all perks and support for the former acting king Toni Mpephu.
Provincial government spokesperson Ndavhe Ramakuela confirmed a salary of more than R1 million a year, security and other perks, were stopped.
“We are following the court instructions. As of now there is no king and we will reinstate all the support we give as government to the kings as soon as the issue of kingship is sorted out and a new king or regent is installed,” he said.
Image source: @PresidencyZA
