More than 7,000 people from across Limpopo Province gathered at the Ha-Makuya Sports Grounds to witness the long-awaited inauguration of the acting senior traditional leader of Ha-Makuya, Thovhele Tshifularo Margret Muthige Makuya, last Friday.

Among the dignitaries present were high-ranking traditional leaders from Limpopo and Mpumalanga, as well as the Limpopo Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) MEC Mr Basikopo Makamu, and Thovhele Masala Mavis Mphephu, along with members of the local business community. During the ceremony, Thovhele Masala Mavis Mphephu expressed her relief at having another female thovhele in the Vhembe District.

“I was the sole female Thovhele in the Vhembe District, and I am delighted to now have someone with whom I can discuss issues concerning women. Previously, I sought advice from my male counterparts, who were not fully attuned to the inner concerns of women,” she remarked.

Bishop Makhuvha of the African Union Churches Pastors Movement anointed the new traditional leader by pouring a flask of anointed oil over her head, proclaiming, “You shall reign over the people of the Lord, and you will save them from the hand of their surrounding enemies. This shall be the sign to you that the Lord has anointed you to be the traditional leader of the Ha-Makuya dynasty.”

Meanwhile, MEC Basikopo Makamu, representing Limpopo Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha, presented the certificate of recognition to Thovhele Makuya as selected by the Makuya traditional house to be their acting Thovhele of the kingdom. Makamu emphasised that the government does not select traditional leadership but rather respects and implements decisions made by traditional leadership in accordance with their customs and values.

“As my tenure as MEC comes to an end in 12 days with the approaching elections, this marks my final traditional leader installation. I extend my best wishes to Thovhele Tshifularo Margret Muthige Makuya in her new role,” Makamu stated.

He urged Thovhele Makuya and the traditional leadership to foster unity within the family and collaborate for the community’s development.

Addressing concerns about her ability to lead as a woman, the newly installed Thovhele Makuya responded confidently, “Yes, I am capable of leading the Makuya kingdom. Life’s circumstances vary, and today, a significant responsibility has been entrusted to me. Together with members of the Ha-Makuya traditional house and the community, we will shoulder this responsibility. We will seek guidance when necessary, rectify mistakes, and move forward united.”