TSHIFHENA - A visionary traditional leader and prominent Limpopo academic, who has the love of his subjects at heart, surprisingly gave them an early Christmas bonanza on Sunday. Khosi Zwotoutea Tshifularo struck a deal with different donors to assist his subjects with maize meal, blankets, bath soap and soup. The official presentation of the goods took place at Tshifhena Secondary School, Tshikombani, east of Siloam Hospital.

Also present to witness the event were representatives of Thulamela Municipality and members of the Tshivhase Royal Council. Each of the 70 benefiting villagers walked home with smiles all over their faces because they know they are slowly winning the war against poverty.

Khosi Zwotoutea explains how the function came into being: “Most of my subjects are unemployed and at times they go to bed on empty stomachs. I felt it is my civic duty to make sure that they get something to eat. As traditional leaders, we have quite a difficult job of making sure that our subjects are enjoying life despite their poor financial status. It is very difficult to rule hungry subjects because they will be unproductive and uncooperative. For me, it is not a matter of name or fame. I went out to organize these donations for my subjects because I love them and they are the ones who made me what I am today…”

Khosi Zwotoutea also unfolded his programme of action for Tshifhena village development during the function. He promised his subjects that he would work hard to improve their lives and to win the war against poverty.

The sponsors of the donations are M Premjee and Sons (Makhado) and Merkel Motors (Tzaneen) and they were represented by Amie Chhaya, a famous community builder.

One of the beneficiaries of the donations, Esther Nemakonde, did not have enough words to thank the sponsors, Khosi Zwotoutea and Amie Chhaya for their generosity. She said with a big smile on her face: “I did not know how I would get my next meal, but the donations have changed my life for the good. Thanks all the parties a million times.”