Vhavenda King Toni Mphephu Ramabulana has urged for unity among all the traditional leaders in the area.

“We call upon our traditional leaders to speak in one voice to enable us to initiate community development projects. We must be proud and honour the restoration of the culture and customs of the Vhavenda kingship under the lineage of Mphephu Ramabulana,” he added.

He was speaking on Tuesday in the former Thohoyandou legislature, when he officially unveiled and handed over framed photographs of him, to be distributed to various traditional councils and offices in the Vhembe region as a way of honouring the Vhavenda Kingship.

He was joined by Limpopo MEC for Corporate Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs Mr Ishmael Kgetjepe, the chairperson of the Limpopo House of Traditional Leaders, Kgoshi Solomon Dikgale, Executive Mayor Tshitereke Matibe and various senior traditional leaders. Although he did not mention any names, he slammed some senior traditional leaders who didn’t respect and honour his kingship and warned them they would be ruled under his power as his kingship was recognized by the government.

Mr Kgetjepe said the unveiling of the photo was a symbol that the government was recognizing the kingship of the Vhavenda. "Once the government recognises the Kingship of the Vhavenda under Toni Mphephu Ramabulana, we must honour and respect the king as he represents us all. The provincial government is committed to supporting the issue of traditional affairs and  we urge the various traditional councils and offices in the Vhembe region to exhibit the photo as a way of showing respect," Kgetjepe said.