Khosi Vho-Pfuluwani Vhambelani thavha Maano Netsianda (35) was finally installed as new chief of the Tsianda community at Gwamasenga High School on Saturday.

The community of Tsianda had been without a chief since 2013, following the death of Khosi Vho-Mafharalala Netsianda. In the interim period, the village was under the supervision of a caretaker-chief, Vhavenda Vho-Magiledzhi Mulaudzi.

On Saturday, a large contingent of people from Tsianda and the surrounding villages flocked to the palace to pay tribute to their leader, Vhavenda King Toni Mphephu Ramabulana, who performed the installation rites. He described it as a rare scenario in the history of Venda traditional leadership, as people did not hand over a throne easily. Mphephu spelt out the commandments to the new chief, which he said would make him a real people’s leader if properly followed.

Mphephu said the new chief should distinguish himself as a unifying factor in the village and not belong to any faction. “Royalty can be traced back to biblical times when God would appoint a certain person to lead his people. You have been chosen by God to lead the people. Follow God’s will and your rule will be prolonged,” he said.

Mphephu said he was saddened to see that, these days, royalty had to be contested through the courts of law, which had not been the case in olden times. He told the new chief to remain neutral and not to take sides when trying cases. He advised the new chief to work hand in hand with his family’s royal council and to keep them abreast of all decisions and plans in his administration. He said they had worked peacefully with the new chief’s late father and were still expecting the same from the new chief.

New chief Netsianda’s ndumi is Mr Azwihangwi Netsianda and Mrs Livhuwani Netsianda Rashamuse was appointed khadzi of the family.

The new chief, Thovhele Aluwani Netsianda, said he prefered teamwork and promised to work in close cooperation with the community. He added that the villagers must participate in the development of their village. “I am now focusing on the development of the young people in different fields,” he added.

The MEC for COGHSTA, Ms Makoma Makurupetje, encouraged the new chief to carry out his duties with dignity as the leader of his clan. She also told him to refrain from bad habits and encouraged the new chief to work hard, but she warned him against the danger of abusing his power.

“If you get out of hand, you may be dethroned by the same people who installed you in your position,” Makurupetje said.