The importance of traditional leadership was stressed when a prominent archbishop of the Christian Church in Sabbath was installed as a traditional leader on Sunday.

Archbishop Ailwei Samuel Mundalamo Maanda of Mavunde village, near Ha-Makuya, was unanimously announced the petty headman (Vhakoma) of Mavhulani (Tshamukalanga) sub-village by Mavunde village senior traditional leader Thovhele Mulitsheni Phusuphusu Nemavunde.

The new leader’s traditional leadership name is Lugisani. His ndumi (assistant) is a well-known building constructor, Daniel Nemavund, whose new name was announced as Mutikeni. The khadzi is Mmbuiseni Mundalamo and her new name is Ntanganedzini.

Maanda takes over the leadership of Tshamukalanga from his father, Wilson Mundalamo Maanda, who passed away in 1992. Different people have been acting on the throne for the past years until the Nemavunde Royal Council decided that the time was ripe for the new leader to take up his responsibilities.

Although it was very hot, church members, local villagers, traditional leaders, friends and family members braved the heat to witness the long-overdue occasion.

When installing the new leader, Thovhele Phusuphusu Nemavunde told Maanda to work hard for the development of his sub-village. He further told him to emulate his father, who treated everyone equally. "You are a leader because of the people and you must learn to accept everyone. Your leadership has been created by God and you must love everyone, including those who challenge your leadership. Learn to solve problems in a peaceful manner and never forget to consult the royal family whenever you take important decisions."

Thovhele Nemavunde said the new leader must live in the modern world. "Times have changed and you must adapt to the modern times. Work with different community structures like your civic associations to bring development where you stay."

In response, the newly installed traditional leader said he would work hard to develop his people to bring better life to his sub-village. The ndumi, Daniel Nemavunde, was also equally ready to serve. "I will never disappoint those who deemed it fit for me to occupy this position. The only way to thank them is to work hard," he said.