One of the dedicated community builders of the Soutpansberg community and the leader of the Kutama clan, Khosi Peter Kutama, passed away in a private hospital in Polokwane on Tuesday night, 9 August. He was 55 years old.

During his life, Kutama was the chairperson of the National House of Traditional Leaders, the Minister of Education in the former cabinet of the then Republic of Venda and he also served on the first Makhado Transitional Local Council. He also worked for the Public Works Department of the former Venda Homeland Government. He was the chief of the Kutama area outside Louis Trichardt.

Kutama also served as the interim chairperson of SADC House of Traditional Leaders, known as Khotla. At the time of his death, Kutama was the chairperson of the constitutional development committee in the house of traditional leaders.

Kutama was born on March 3, 1956, at Tshikwarani Ha-Kutama. He was the grandson of Chief Makhado Tshilwavhusiku and was installed as chief in 1989.

Family spokesperson Mr David Kutama said the family was saddened by the chief´s death. He added that the chief will be laid to rest at the Ramabulana Royal cemetery of Songozwi this week.

The chief executive officer of the National House of Traditional Leaders, Dr Wilson Makgalancheshe, says Chief Kutama was a man of vision. "We will always remember him for his hard work, commitment and dedication," he said.

The MEC For Local Government and Housing, Mr Soviet Lekganyane, expressed his condolences to the Kutama family. Lekganyane said Kutama served the country with diligence. "He was instrumental in the establishment of the National House of Traditional Leaders in South Africa. He will be remembered for his hard work," said Lekganyane.

Kutama was depicted by Gen Gabriel Ramushwana, the former chairman of the Venda Council for National Unity, as a hardworking, dedicated, strict man who hated corruption. "He was one of very few people I trusted and relied on during my time. As the Minister of Education, he helped me a lot. Wherever he went, he would encourage people to take education seriously," Ramushwana said.

"Most of the development that occurred during the time of the Venda government was his ideas. The man loved development. We have really lost a charismatic, disciplined and enthusiastic leader."

Makhado Mayor Cllr Mavhungu Luruli expressed her heartfelt condelences and support to the Kutama Royal Family. She said that Kutama contributed to shaping the local government system. "He was a selfless, visionary and dedicated leader of all people. He was a champion of social and economic transformation in South Africa," she said.

Luruli also mentioned that "Kutama was a leader who understood that as a traditional leader, one must transcend all boundaries and represent the hopes, interest and aspiration of all people, to realize a better life."

Kutama is survived by his wife, three children and three grandchildren.