THOHOYANDOU - Thovhele Toni Mphephu Ramabulana received a pendant and certificate for being the direct descendent and successor of leaders of the Venda tribe during the Dimbanyika commendable Service and Prestigious Awards held recently in the Thohoyandou Town Hall.

Mphephu was awarded for playing a major role in seeing to it that traditional affairs are being respected and instilled into the coming generation.

He confirmed that he is focusing on traditional affairs, and not interfering in politics, because a traditional leader must be neutral with regard to politics. A traditional leader accepts all people regardless of gender, race and their politics organization.

The pendant was presented by MEC Joe Maswanganyi on behalf of the Azwi Development Agency. The director of the Azwi Development Agency, Mr Jackson Mafunzwaini, said awarding great leaders like Mphephu, Sekhukhune, Makosoke and other leaders will send a clear message that the Venda tribe must not be marginalized.

Mafunzwaini further said Mphephu is a king of the Venda tribe, and those who dispute that he is not a king must come forth with evidence to the contrary.

“One can ask why we named these awards ‘Dimbanyika.’ The reason is that Dimbanyika is the late great king of the Venda Nation,” said Mafunzwaini.

Limpopo Premier Sello Moloto said the name Dimbanyika brings to life memories of early battles fought and won by our great warrior kings against the conquest of colonialism and imperialism in Southern Africa. Dimbanyika, the 1600 century warrior king, represents a generation of warrior kings and leaders in our country who are often celebrated, and unsung by today’s younger generation.