The senior traditional leader of Lwamondo, Thovhele Calvin Nelwamondo, has urged the community of Lwamondo Tshitavha to follow in the footsteps of their late traditional leader by treating each other well.

Thovhele Nelwamondo was speaking at the funeral service of his brother, Vhamusanda Vho Alfred Vhangani Nelwamondo. The 76-year-old Vho Nduvheni, as he was called when he was installed, was a renowned traditional healer and archbishop of The Power of Salvation Church. He passed away peacefully at his home on 1 June 2025 after a period of illness.

In accordance with tradition, he was buried on the evening of Friday, 6 June 2025, at his home yard. The funeral service was attended by church members, community members, and traditional leaders.

During the funeral, Thovhele Nelwamondo praised his late brother as a champion of culture. “We stand here burying a great man, a man who led an exemplary life of leading from the front. He was a selfless man who loved all his subjects and treated them equally. He helped wherever possible, which is one of the good qualities of a leader,” he said.

Thovhele Nelwamondo also highlighted the significant role his brother had played in the development of the traditional tshikona dance in the village. “He dedicated his life to preserving our culture by training youths in the tshikona dance at his home. It should be remembered that tshikona is widely performed. He personally ensured they were well fed, providing traditional beer and mageu, all from his own pocket. This was a regular practice during training sessions at his home. We have lost a great leader, and it will be difficult to replace him. The best way to honour him is for us all to follow in his footsteps,” said Thovhele Nelwamondo.

Family member Mr Thiathu Mamaguvhi said it was a great loss, not only to the family but also to the church. “We are in deep mourning, following his passing. He was a family unifier who insisted on doing things the right way. For me, it is even harder as he was the person who introduced me to Gauteng. When it came to church matters, he encouraged us all to attend. He would always take me along to all-night prayer sessions, walking on foot to faraway places. We will miss him dearly,” said Mamaguvhi.