A new headman of Ha-Mashamba Bushy Park, or Tshianangani Village was ordained by Thovhele Vho-NTL Mashamba during a ceremonial gathering held at the settlement´s royal compound last Friday.

Mirror learnt that the installed headman, Musanda Vho Ratshihunguswa Mashamba (72), should have been formally ordained shortly after his father passed away in 1975, but realising that he was working on the Reef, he requested the royal council to appoint the late Mr Joseph Mahosi as the acting headman.

While ordaining Musanda Vho-Ratshihunguswa, Thovhele Vho-NTL Mashamba said: "This is a special day to introduce and formally ordain your headman to his throne. Since you were the only village in my territory without a headman for a long time, I hope and believe that you will respect and give Vhamusanda Vho-Ratshihungwana the necessary support he deserves," he said.

According to Vhamusanda Vho-ET Mashamba, the Mashamba clan, which is also known as Vhaluvhu, originated from central Africa. He said that after their arrival at the Nzhelele valley, Nekokwane was ordained as Thovhele by the Singo clan, who was succeeded by Mpofu, Mashamba and Mambo, who ruled them at Kokwane mountain.

According to Musanda Vho- T Mashamba, it was Mukuvhazwivhi who led their clan to Ha-Mashamba Mukondeni. He addded that as they were migrating from Kokwane mountain at Nzhelele, some Vhaluvhu went to Muraleni, while others went to Ha-Mutsha. He did confirm that, when they arrived at Mukondeni, they found the Vhangona tribe. "At that time, Vhaluvhu were led by the late Ratshiunguswa, who did not rule for a long period. He was succeeded by Raluombe, then Ravhulungwane, Mato a Nzie, Lishavhana, as acting chief because Kone was still young, Ruben Tshiitwa, and Magirigoni, the late father of Thovhele Vho-NTL Mashamba," he said.

On behalf of the Mashamba Tribal Authority, Musanda Vho-Andries Mashamba of Tshivhuyuni said the installation of the new headman at Bushy Park gave them more strength to lead the people.

Cllr MA Lebea said that it was extremely difficult for him to work with residents from Tshianangani (Bushy Park) even though he had a good working relationship with the local civic association structure.

"There are certain things that need the assistance of a traditional leader; now that musanda Vho-Ratshiunguswa has been ordained, I am going to meet him and brief him on the challenges faced by his residents. I know that we will achieve a lot because I will be working with him," he said.

Representing the mayor of the Makhado Municipality, Cllr Norman Mabila challenged Thovhele Vho-NTL Mashamba to consider installing a woman in the near future as Vhamusanda. "As government, we want to promote equality on all sides and that is why we have the Traditional Leadership and Governance Act of 2003. I know that a king is born, but a headman is appointed," he said.