King Toni Mphephu Ramabulana wishes all residents and visitors in Vhembe a safe and happy holiday season.

In an interview with Limpopo Mirror, he said that now was the time when people from all parts of the country visited friends, families and also went on holiday. "It is a time for families to get together and reflect on the year gone by and celebrate the New Year. It is also time for prayers and happiness."

He added that while Christmas was a time of joy and happiness, it might also be a time of sadness, anguish and despair. "Accidents on the roads, unwarranted crime and alcohol abuse can steal our joy. It all depends on our behaviour, attitude and conduct." According to him, Vhembe is known as the place of legends, the home of peace-loving people and hospitality.

He emphasised that the elderly and little children are vulnerable, and that "we must always strive to keep them safe in our homes." He also said that the disabled needed the help of their families and the communities.

He said that during this time of the year, a large number of fatal accidents occurred on public roads. "I would like to urge our people to be obedient to the laws of the road. Let us conduct ourselves in such a way that we will arrive alive at our different destinations by refraining from alcohol consumption while driving. Let us also take care of ourselves when we do our shopping in the towns.”

He paid special tribute to the matric class of 2015, and expressed the hope that they would make the area proud. 

In conclusion, he stated that members of the community must, in the spirit of Christmas, care for the needy and the underprivileged by sharing with them.