TSHIKOMBANI - An educational pioneer in the Vhembe District, Dr Johannes Gogome (“JG”) Tshifularo, was inaugurated as Vhamusanda of two villages by the Tshivhase Royal Council at Tshikombani Primary School last Saturday.

As the Venda tradition dictates, his vhuhosi name is Vho-Zwo tou tea and he is responsible for the Tshifhena and Tshatharu villages, which are also under Khosi Vho-MF Lusunzi of Tshikombani. His inauguration follows after the passing away of his father, the late Vho-Thomani Tshifularo.

When addressing the meeting, Thovhele Vho-Kennedy Midiyavhathu Tshivhase said that Musanda Vho-Tshifularo must see to it that there is development in the two villages and consequently in Tshikombani. He said that it is only through good governance and collective leadership that poverty can be alleviated.

“To you people I am saying, this is your Vhamusanda; give him the necessary support.” To the new chief, he said: “As I am not the one who installed you today, I also expect you to follow the right channels when you need assistance from us. You don’t have power to come straight to me by passing over Khosi Vho-Lusunzi,” he said. He added that he knew Musanda Vho-JG as an individual with good knowledge, who is talented and who works with people. “As the Royal Council, we don’t appreciate headmen and chiefs who do absolutely nothing to improve the lives of their subjects. I am saying, if you fail to follow the Tshivhase Royal Council Policy and that of the government, we will take you out. When someone is a leader, he doesn’t lead with a remote control or a cellphone, but goes down to the people,” said Tshivhase.

Tshifularo (54) is the Manager for Inclusive Education and Psychological Services at the Department of Education in the Vhembe district.