New Chief for Ribungwana installed

The ceremony was attended by many community members, various departments' representatives, Executive Mayor for Vhembe District, Mr Sam Moeti, the MEC for Health and Welfare, Mr Sello Moloto, MEC in the Premier's office, Mrs Catherine Mabuza and several Traditional Leaders.

The Ribungwana family originated from Zimbabwe and came to South Africa in the 1800's and arrived at Louis Trichardt where they stayed at Fort Edward. The first recognised installed Chief was Ribungwana during the 1920's. Ribungwana died in the 1930's and was succeeded by Charlie Yingwani in 1939. He was residing at Grootplaas, which is today known as Ha-Nthabalala. Chief Yingwani died in 1958 and was succeeded by his eldest son, Piet Gezani Ribungwana.

Chief Gezani passed away in 1968 and was succeeded by Daniel Mudungwazi, who was officially a member of parliament of the former Gazankulu Government. He died in 1977 and was replaced by Willy Mavhavaza (John's father) and he was also a member of the Gazankulu Legislative Assembly. Chief Mavhavaza passed away in March 2001.

Chief Ribungwana III (33) is still single. According to the Tsonga tradition, for one to be a Chief you should be a married man. And as a result, many people were amazed about their Chief, who is still single.

Meanwhile, on the same day, MEC Sello Moloto officially opened the Helderwater Clinic of R1, 3 million and Mrs Catherine Mabuza opened the Ribungwana Traditional Office, worth R80 000. "The Clinic is modern, standardised and is going to assist many community members out there. The building must be handled with care," said Moloto.

A Shighubu traditional dance from Malamulele and a Tshikona traditional dance group from Tshilata-Ha-Masakona entertained the audience after the ceremonies.

News - Date: 27 September 2002

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