An award ceremony nearly turned into chaos because of what appears to be a power struggle between two traditional leaders. Khosi Ndidivhani Nyamande of Matangari Village, outside Thohoyandou, gave a written ultimatum to his counterpart, Vhamusanda Luvhaivhai Tshivhase, not to continue with an award ceremony for three schools, scheduled for the same day, in the village last week.

Luvhaivhai received the letters at the schools on the morning of the function prohibiting him not to go on with the award ceremony because Nyamande claims not to have been informed about the functions. Amazingly, the two traditional leaders seem to be always in a tug-of-war, although Nyamande installed Luvhaivhai as Vha-musanda of Tshiawelo, a subsidiary of Matangari Village, on July 20, 2002.

Although Luvhaivhai was prohibited from going on with the award ceremony, he continued his mission and handed over soccer kits, trophies and merit certificates to learners of Mphalaleni High School, Ndidivhani and Matangari Primary Schools.

Part of the letter, written in Venda and signed by Khosi Nyamande, which is in Mirror’s possession, reads: “Hu songo itiwa tshithu na tshithihi tshikoloni tshanga” loosely translated: “Never do anything in my school.”

Luvhaivhai refuted claims that Nyamande tried to stop the function because he claimed not to be informed. “The ultimatum was based on jealousy as I am bringing development to the village. He fears that I will take the power of the whole village away from his hands, which I cannot do, because he is my senior. I cannot understand why he is defying my community building strategies as he told me to develop the community when he installed me as Vhamusanda four years ago. He also gave me a royal name, Nkhuliseni, in front of the well-constituted and lawful gathering at the local primary school.”

Luvhaivhai says Khosi Nyamande was informed about the award ceremony and his attendance was expected. “I know that a letter was delivered to him and I don’t understand why he now says he was not informed. My main aim is to develop the village, not to struggle for leadership as he thinks.”

Luvhaivhai’s handyman, Mureza Tshivhase, says he was the one who delivered the invitation letter to Khosi Nyamande. “I personally gave him the letter and I fail to understand why he says he was not consulted,” said Mureza.

Luvhaivhai further claims that Khosi Nyamande has in the past sabotaged his functions, including the Youth Day celebrations for last year. “He is the one who is fighting with me, but I am prepared to discuss matters with him if there are any problems that we need to solve.”

When approached for comment, Khosi Nyamande still maintained that he had not been informed about the awards. “I maintain that I was not informed but I can give a full comment after consulting my royal council. That is all what I can say now…”