The burning issue of the illegal mining of sand came under the spotlight during the inauguration of junior traditional leader, Litshedzani Samuel Ravhura at Lungane last week.

Lungane is a sub-village of Makonde under the senior traditional leadership of Thovhele Vho-Tshilidzi Edward Ravhura.

Samuel succeeds his father, Raphalalani Ravhura who passed away in 2009. Since then, the sub-village was ruled by a family council and after consultation with the relevant family members, it was unanimously agreed that Samuel was ready to take over. Samuel’s ndumi is Lufuno Ravhura and his khadzi is Azwimpheleli Nethengwe.

Thovhele Vho-Ravhura said that people took advantage of the period when Lungane did not have an appointed traditional leader and they started mining sand illegally. “The proceeds of the sand sales never benefitted the poorest of the poor in this village. As I am installing you now, I instruct you to make sure that the illegal mining of sand is stopped with immediate effect here in Lungane,” he said.

He urged the new junior traditional leader to respect his subjects and stay away from corrupt activities. “A good leader serves his subjects with distinction and never involves himself in corrupt activities. Treat all your subjects equally and serve them without discrimination. This will make your ancestors happy and your subjects will also respect you in return. Try to resolve all the petty issues with your council and only come to me to give reports and to elevate complex issues that you cannot resolve.”

When accepting his new role, Samuel agreed that he will follow in the footsteps of his late father. “I will rule my subjects with fairness and I will always consult my council and the family whenever I take decisions. I will work hard to bring more development to this village,” he said.

Khotsimunene Lesley Tshivhase said he will inform Thovhele Kennedy Tshivhase that the inauguration went on smoothly. “By inviting us, it demonstrates that the Ravhura family respects the Tshivhases as their seniors. We hope other traditional leaders will learn from this practice of respect.”