THOHOYANDOU - The question of “who is in charge” in the matter of traditional leadership is still unanswered, as the long-awaited report of the Ralushai Commission was released in the Thohoyandou Parliamentary Chamber last Friday.

Prof Wellington Sogakge said the new act, Act 41 of 2003, is now in place to regulate the matter of traditional leadership and the findings of the Ralushai Commission were delayed because the government was still organizing with the judiciary to protect the report. “If the national commission determines the rightful King of the Vha-Venda, such a king will be recognized in the whole South Africa,” he said.

Sobakge further said after the national commission recommended people deserving to be on the throne, there would be no other claims that would be accepted by the government.

Most of the traditional leaders showed dissatisfaction because no decisions stemmed from the report of the Ralushai Commission and they were instructed to submit other claims if any.

“Some of the people who lodged claims have already died and waiting for the findings of the national commission appointed by the president will be a waste of time,” said traditional leaders. “The government has the idea of twisting chieftaincies,” they added.

Sebakge told them that the information gathered by the Ralushai Commission will help the new commission in its investigations. “The government needs conformity and all provinces should be treated alike in the issue of traditional leadership,” he said. “There was no policy to regulate traditional affairs and now everything is on paper and the national commission will finish up its findings after four years,” Sebakge ads.

The three kingship contenders, Thovhele Toni Mphephu Ramabulana, Thovhele Kennedy Midiyavhathu Tshivhase and Thovhele Musiwa Gole Mphaphuli, were not among the large number of traditional leaders gathered in the parliamentary building, but were represented by family members.

Mr David Mavhungu Mphephu from the Mphephu Ramabulana Royal Kraal said the report of the Ralushai is well investigated and it indicates clearly “that we are the big brothers of other kingship contenders in Venda”.