Hundreds of people paid their last respects to the late Senior Chief Mafharalala Wilfred Netsianda during a special ceremony at the sports ground of Gwamasenda Primary School last Saturday.

Netsianda was the deputy chairperson of the House of Traditional Leaders in Limpopo.

Among the people who attended the event were King Toni Mphephu Ramabulana, Executive Mayor Tshitereke Matibe, Mayor David Mutavhatsindi of the Makhado Municipality and Thovhele Mmbangiseni Masia.

Both Masia and Mphephu Ramabulana warned the 44 surviving children of Netsianda to avoid positioning themselves for the vacant throne. Masia advised them to concentrate on their careers and education and avoid jostling for the throne.

Masia hailed the late Netsianda as one of the few traditional leaders who spoke the truth without buying anybody’s favour. He said Netsianda was always complaining about other traditional leaders who were reigning in the Vhalaudzi territory, whereas they were outsiders. “As the first-born of Gwamasenga, I am saying all outsiders must leave our land and go to theirs,” said Masia.

Besides his children, Netsianda is survived by four wives.