THOHOYANDOU - After many years of speculation, the Vhavenda Chiefs have finally ended a long debate of who must be the Vhavenda King, when they announced that their King is Toni Mphephu Ramabulana, the grandson of the former life president of the then Republic of Venda, Chief Patrick Mphephu Ramabulana.

During a meeting held in the old parliament buildings last Friday, the same building which was used by Toni's late grandfather, twenty-three senior Chiefs of Vhavenda voted in favour of the motion that suggested Mphephu as the King.

Only Chief Kennedy Midiyavhathu Tshivhase, of the Tshivhase area, objected to the decision and threatened to go as far as the High Court if the decision was implemented by the government.

Four Chiefs were not part of the meeting. Two of them, Chiefs Mashamba and Mulima sent their apologies while Chiefs Nesengani and Mashau were absent without notice at this historic meeting chaired by Advocate Edward Lambani.

The provincial Department of Local government initiated the meeting, but latter called it off hours before it could start. Initially, according to the department, central to the business of the meeting was the issue of the Paramount Chief of the Vhavenda people. In view of the aforementioned, the Chiefs then decided to continue with the meeting and then discussed the issue of Kingship instead of that of paramount Chief.

Tshivhase maintains the view that there is no way in which the Tshivhase Royal House could be ruled by Mphephu. "This is a dream. I do not think this can happen. If it happens then we will go to the highest court in this country. According to us, the Tshivhases are the Kings in our areas. The same applies to Mphaphuli and Mphephu. They are all Kings in their areas," said a fuming Tshivhase while describing the decision as a dream, which will never happen.

Tshivhase, an ANC member of the legislature in the province, said the manner in which the decision was taken resembled an apartheid style approach, which is tantamount to discrimination in reverse order. He added by saying that people who want to feed their stomachs are the ones who influenced this decision.

Meanwhile, Chiefs Ramovha and Kutama have already submitted the resolution to the office of the Premier, Adv Ngoako Ramathlodi on Monday. Ramathlodi said he has already forwarded the resolution to the national Minister of Local Government and Provincial Affairs who will attend to it and respond within a reasonable time.

The issue of traditional leadership in Venda has been in the spotlight for several years. The Ralushai Commission was also appointed to investigate this matter although to date, its results are still outstanding. Ramathlodi said he has forwarded the findings to the national government. People have been wondering when the findings would be made public because millions have already been spent on this venture.

While this question still remains unanswered, many people are hoping that the latest move by the Chiefs will end the uncertainty about who will be their ultimate King?