Controversy surrounded the burial of the wife of the late King Dimbanyika last Friday when members of the Mphephu royal family boycotted the event.

Fhulufhelo Mphephu, wife of the late Tshimangadzo Mphephu (who ruled under the name Dimbanyika) died last Saturday after a long illness. She is the mother of Masindi Clementine Mphephu, who is currently in the midst of a legal battle to determine who the real king or queen of the Vhavenda should be.

Thousands of people gathered for the funeral service, which was held at Sendedza.  A family representative, Mr Mbulaheni Charles Mphephu, told the mourners that the family had accepted the loss, although it was difficult to cope with. “We understand and accept that Fhulufhelo is gone, but it will be very difficult for us to live without her. It is also important to acknowledge the community's support since we received the bad news. God has done his will and there is nothing we can do because the situation is irreversible,” he said. “God took her very soon. We needed her seriously, but we accept her death humbly."

Mphephu said that although they accepted what had happened, it would be difficult to forget that this death had robbed the community of an energetic community member who was full of zeal and courage. “She was one of those women who fought for development in the prime of her life and excelled at everything she did. She will be remembered for her dedication and commitment to the community."

The young Masindi Mphephu described her mother as an angel who brought up her children with love and affection. “It is sad that my mother was buried on my birthday. We strongly wipe our tears by the fact that she served the Lord every minute of her life. God has done his will and ours is to accept," she said.

She was sad about the fact that her mother was chased out of the Mphephu kraal many years ago and her house was locked without reason.

Another family member, Mr Nyelisani Mudau, said that they had made every effort to contact the Mphephu royal family through Vho-Makhadzi Mphephu Ramabulana to engage them in burying Fhulufhelo as the proper customs require, but they didn't respond. The funeral arrangements were only finalised last Wednesday. "We are so disappointed by the way we were treated by the royal family of Mphephu,” said Mudau. He said that the kingship battle should not prevent the royal family from burying a family member.