Vho Thovhele Midiyavhathu Tshivhase of the Tshivhase dynasty hailed the life of the late granny Vho Makhadzi Vho Tshinakaho Nkhangweni Mphaphuli Tshivhase as exemplary and befitting of a cultural and royal Muvenda woman.
Through a message read during her funeral service held at her home at Phiphidi outside Thohoyandou last Friday afternoon, before she was taken to her final resting place at Tshiendeulu tsha ha Tshivhase, Tshivhase urged young women to follow in the footsteps of the granny.
The actual burial was delayed in accordance with royal protocol and she was finally buried late in the evening.
Hundreds of people, amongst them traditional leaders, family members and community members, witnessed the dignified send-off.
On behalf of Vho Thovhele Midiyavhathu Tshivhase, Vho Khotsimunene Vho Mukosi Tshivhase said even though the death was a big loss, they were just happy that the granny had lived so long as she died at the ripe old age of 98. He quoted the Bible, which said men would live for 70 years and anything beyond that would be a bonus.
He said the family had accepted her death and were consoled by the fact she had a legacy that would live forever.
“She had all the qualities that are a must for a royal woman. She was a living dictionary and her teachings are there for all to learn from,” he said.
Representing the family, Musanda Vho Mapikule Tshivhase said granny Nkhangweni was a blessing to the family. “As a family, we are extremely happy that God kept her alive for so many years. She was amongst the few left from her generation,” he said. He said that she would be remembered for her hard work, humbleness and her love for people.
After the passing away of her husband, Khosi Vho Ratshalingwa, she took care of the children and made sure that they had a decent education. This she did through her entrepreneurial skills, whereby she sold peanuts, chicken and traditional beer, Musanda Tshivhase said.
Granny Nkhangweni was born in 1912 as the daughter of Vho Makhadzi Vho Alilali Mtshetoni Tshivhase and Vhamusanda Vho Vhuromu Mphaphuli, who ruled Maniini. She was the only girl amongst the four children in her family.
She married her cousin, Khosi Vho Ratsitanga Lucas Tshivhase, and they were blessed with five children, two girls and three boys.
Her long life allowed her to see 20 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
She passed away on March 12 and was buried on March 19.