Mr Tshifhiwa Azwidohwi Nelurangwe was installed as the new headman of Lurangwe Village during the colorful ceremony held at Tshikundamalema Village last Friday.

He took over the throne after his late father, Mr Phineus Nyelisani Mbedzi’s death in 2004. Since then, there had been no traditional leader. Now, the new headman has the responsibility of looking after the 171 households of Lurangwe.

Thovhele Guneani Tshikundamalema advised the new headman to have one partner and stay away from “those sexy youths wearing transparent clothes”. He said they are seductive, but a real headman places his trust in his wife. “Nelurangwe must listen to advice from the royal family, municipality, police and the Congress of Traditional Leaders in South Africa (Contralesa),” he added. According to him, the headman must be able to deal with disputes from villagers.

Mr Mahada from the Limpopo Premier’s Office said the Limpopo Government is eager to work hand in hand with traditional leaders and every headman must submit the names of people in the royal council. Traditional leaders are the backbone of democracy and they must be respected, he said. Mahada advised the new headman to work with others for the development of Limpopo in terms of traditional leadership.

Musanda Ravhalitsheni Sumbana of Vhurivhuri said he expected good leadership from the new headman as he had groomed him since the death of his father.

Ward Councilor Mr Ndavheleseni Netshidongololwe of the Mutale Municipality said the municipality was going to sit down with the new headman in order to point out the remaining areas that needed to be developed. In terms of development, Tshikundamalema has been electrified, RDP houses have been constructed, and there is a gardening project where 26 people are employed.

The ndumi of the new leader is Mr Bethuel Tshikundamalema and his khadzi is Lufuno Mbedzi.