Thovhele Kennedy Midiyavhathu Tshivhase urged his subjects to work hard towards the development of the communities in which they stay.

He was a keynote speaker during the Ngulumbi Day Celebrations on Saturday.

The well-attended function took place at Ratshitanga Primary School, at Ngulumbi village, west of Sibasa. The function was meant to highlight the achievements of the Ngulumbi community and to brief residents about the challenges which the community is facing under the visionary leadership of Khosi Vho-Edzani Nkhumbuleni Ratshitanga.

Thovhele Tshivhase said it is the joint responsibility of different stakeholders to work together to build the society. He issued a strong warning to those community members who work towards the downfall of the community. He continued: "I am very impressed by the development of this community under the leadership of Khosi Edzani Ratshitanga. This shows that the community of Ngulumbi is striving towards the upliftment of their lives. Although it is no longer a secret that much has already been done, you must not sit and relax because you still have many challenges to overcome. Only unity and hard work will build you to become a strong and prosperous nation."

Tshivhase also praised the Ratshitanga fallen leaders who laid the foundation for the development of Ngulumbi village. He cited in particular Chief Makwarela Ratshitanga Manenzhe, who ruled Ngulumbi village with distinction after he took over from his late father, Mudzunga Manenzhe. In 1926, Makwarela built a school at Ngulumbi which he funded from his own pocket. He paid the teachers on his own until the school was taken over by the Presbyterian Church. "These are the types of leaders whose legacy will never be forgotten. I am happy because the present traditional leader is following in their footsteps."

During his address, Khosi Vho-Edzani Nkhumbuleni Ratshitanga said today’s people need skilled people who would be able to face the challenges of the modern world. "That is why I encourage all my people to take education seriously because it is the only source of prosperity and wealth. I will never give up working for the development of my community because that is my obligation as a traditional leader. I don’t even feel shy because today we are celebrating all the good things we achieved in our village and I hope this will teach other villages to follow suite."

Khosi Ratshitanga thanked the royal family and different community structures for supporting him in community development. "My special word of gratitude goes to Thovhele Tshivhase for guiding me on how to take good care of my subjects."

Shortly after the formal proceedings, Thovhele Tshivhase and Khosi Ratshitanga jointly unveiled the Ngulumbi heritage monuments at the local primary school and sacred graveyard (zwiendeulu).

The function was made possible through the generosity of Lokovhela Funeral Undertakers, Momentum Life, Coca-Cola, Professional Insurance Brokers (PIB), Spar Thohoyandou, Shprite Sibasa, Enos Bus Service, Kanana Bread, SAB, Mapitas, Shoprite Venda Plaza, Amie Chhaya, Jonas Tshikundamalema, Tshilidzi Ratshitanga and Mutshutshu Mammba.