Vho Thovhele Gole Mphaphuli, senior traditional leader of the Mphaphuli Royal House and the Vhembe District Municipality have committed to working with each other for development in the land belonging to Mphaphuli.

This came after a visit by Vhembe executive mayor, Cllr Florence Dzhombere and senior members of her political and administrative staff to the royal offices last Wednesday.

Mphaphuli has on a number of occasions been embroiled in disputes with the Thulamela municipality and the parties have hauled each other before the courts over land issues. The mayor and the chief were locked in a meeting that was held behind closed doors, before they emerged with smiling faces and addressed many Chiefs and community members, who have filled the royal hall.

Mphaphuli, who has more than 75 Chiefs under him and who owns most of the land in the Vhembe region, said he was happy that the visit has resolved many issues between municipalities in Vhembe and the royal house. He said he was encouraged and happy to see the willingness on the part of government to work with traditional leaders. “We need development in this area and we do not want to be surprised by developments taking place in our areas without our knowledge. No reasonable leader can refuse development, but there should be no undermining of traditional leaders,” he added.

He praised Dzhombere for her leadership style, which he said was what traditional leaders wanted. Dzhombere said when they were inaugurated they made a pledge to work with traditional leaders. According to her, her visit was not just to forge friendship, but came out of the need to be near each other as there are things they cannot achieve alone.

“We acknowledge that some of the things were not done correctly. We need your help to do things differently and in the right way. Our offices are always open and we will appreciate it if there is a team from this house that will work directly with the municipality on issues that affect this area,” said Dzhombere.