Angry community members from Tshitungulwane-Tshimbupfe outside Thohoyandou are demanding that their former headman, Rasiwele Jackson Mundalamo, be reinstated. Mundalamo is involved in a fight with his uncle, Mr Simon Fhedzisani Tshishonga, from the same royal family for the title of headman.

The uproar comes in the wake of Chief Vusani Netshimbupfe’s plan to install Mr Simon Fhedzisani Tshishonga as new headman. A date still has to be set for this ceremony. Netshim-bupfe said that the Tshishonga Royal Council demanded the title of headman back through an order of the High Court. Tshishonga has apparently already submitted documents to this effect to Chief Netshimbupfe.

Ousted headman Mundalamo told Mirror that he had filled this position for a period of 26 years, following the death of his father, Ntavhanyeni Makwarela, in 1979. Mundalamo said that he was installed as headman by the late Chief Mpfuneni Netshimbupfe in 1983, like any other headman. He questioned this act of replacing him while he is still alive and said that he is the right person from the traditional house, because his father was the headman.

Mundalamo said that he was ousted as headman in August 2005, because he was fighting for his people to get back their orchards. He regarded the decision of Chief Netshimbupfe and the Tshishonga family to replace him as a trap. "That´s why all the people are supporting me and I will fight to regain my leadership, otherwise we can stay without a headman," Mundalamo said.

The newly proposed headman, Fhedzisani Tshishonga, said that he is the right person and that is why his royal council took the matter to court and was granted such an order. "I am ready to lead the villagers with dignity," said Tshishonga.

Chief Netshimbupfe said that he realises there is a dispute within the community and some do not agree with the court’s decision. "We are going to sit down with the Tshishonga and Mundalamo Royal Councils to see how we can resolve the matter. Once a resolution is taken, we will go back to the community and tell them," Netshimbupfe said.

A community representative, Mr Calvin Makwarela, said that people need Mundalamo back in his seat. "We don´t need Tshishonga, because we have our headman (Mundalamo) who ruled us for 26 years, and he is fighting for his people and the delivery of services. We don´t need politics in traditional leadership issues, because it will cause dam-age and infighting," an angry Makwarela said.