A visionary young traditional leader spoke openly about the dangers of HIV/Aids and the importance of education in a move to instill a sense of responsibility among his subjects.

Thovhele Gole Mphaphuli was addressing hundreds of his subjects during his first imbizo at Dzingahe village, near Thohoyandou, on Saturday.

“There is no use in keeping quiet while our people are dying of AIDS on a daily basis. AIDS is no longer a secret and everyone should speak openly about it. How many more must die before our people realize that the pandemic is mercilessly wiping out our people? There is a need to tell our community members to be more careful about the disease because, once the virus affects you, there is no cure.”

Thovhele Mphaphuli said it is important to engage in protected sex. “Once you feel that you can’t abstain, you better use a condom to ensure that you don’t get the sexually transmitted diseases.”

He urged the youth to take education seriously so that they can become responsible future leaders.

“Refrain from indulging in crime, alcoholism and substance abuse. Education is the only foundation from which prosperity starts. Read your books to be well informed so that you can easily adapt to the changes of this global world.”

Thovhele Mphaphuli also spoke about the challenges which are faced by his subjects and the Thulamela Municipality. “We will sit down with the municipality and address water shortage, electricity and conditions of the road. We have a very good working relationship with the municipality and together, we are doing our best to make sure that efficient service delivery is brought to you.”

The traditional leader concluded by unveiling the plans of the Mphaphuli Development Trust, which is aimed at improving the lives of the citizens within the Mphaphuli jurisdiction.

“The Development Trust is there for you. We use an open-door policy and everyone is allowed to submit suggestions. We have identified several poverty alleviation projects within the Trust and some of them have already started bearing fruits. We need to come together to win this war against poverty, unemployment and illiteracy.”