Vhavenda King Toni Mphephu Ramabulana bestowed the king Makhado Bravery Award on President Jacob Zuma last Thursday at the University of Venda.

Whilst bestowing the honour the king said said that King Makhado was known for his bravery and he bravely fought oppression, suppression and colonialism. Referring to the president he said that Zuma was also a hero. “Ýou are not shying away from the challenges your people face such as poverty, ignorance and diseases,” said King Mphephu.

“The challenges faced by your people are not the same as those faced by people during the time of King Makhado, but you give us hope because you show courage and resilience,” added King Mphephu. He confirmed that he is focusing on traditional affairs, and not interfering in politics, because a traditional leader must be neutral with regard to politics. A traditional leader accepts all people regardless of gender, race and their political organization.

President Jacob Zuma, who was accompanied by minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane and Limpopo Premier, Cassel Mathale said that the conferment to him was; “the recognition of the people’s struggle against oppression under the leadership of the African National Congress.” This is the first such honour to be conferred on an individual.

This is not going to be an annual event, but will be held whenever someone emerges who is deserving of an honour that promotes the life of Makhado, the warrior king. Zuma was awarded for playing a major role in seeing to it that traditional affairs are being respected and instilled into the coming generation. He said that Makhado brings to life memories of early battles fought and won by our great warrior kings against the conquest of colonialism and imperialism in Southern Africa.

Makhado represents a generation of warrior kings and leaders in our country who are often celebrated, and he was advanced in terms of thinking and planning. He had the passion to forge relations with other traditional leaders, for he was interested in the unity of the indigenous people of this country.

“Our generation must be proud of leaders like Makhado, who knew nothing except to fight for his people. He had the ability to accommodate other people and respect their rights to practice their culture, in particular minority groups that were under his authority,” said Zuma.