A cloud of sadness hangs over the Rammbuda tribal community outside Mutale, following the death of Thovhele Azwihangwisi thu ha Rammbuda on Thursday.

He passed away in the Donald Fraser Hospital after a short illness.

The executive mayor of Vhembe District, Cllr. Tshitereke Matibe, said he was saddened by the passing away of Thovhele Azwihangwisi Rammbuda and expressed his heartfelt condolences to the next-of-kin of one of the senior traditional leaders in the Vhembe District.  Family spokesperson Mr Phusuphusu Rammbuda said he was a traditional leader who loved all the people within his jurisdiction.

Thovhele Muthu ha thonwi Rammbuda (63) was crowned as the senior traditional leader of Rammbuda in 1994. He succeeded Thovhele John Ratshilumela Rammbuda, who died in 1993. Thovhele Rammbuda was also the chairperson of the Ha-Rammbuda mental illness health project.

The funeral is scheduled to be held in Zwiendelulu-zwa Ha-Rammbuda on Friday.

Hosi Busa Nxumalo, chairperson of the Vhembe House of Traditional Leaders, said that the untimely death of Thovhele Rammbuda was a great loss to them as traditional leaders and the community at large.