Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba alongside the newly inaugurated Leader of Mutele Traditional Council Vho Thovhele Livhuwani Ntshandule. Picture Credit Limpopo OTP
By Aisha Zardad
Mutele: On Friday, Vho Thovhele Mutele Livhuwani Ntshandule was officially inaugurated as the new leader of the Mutele Traditional Council during a ceremony held in Musina Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo. The inauguration ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, members of the Mutele Royal Family, local government officials, traditional leaders, and community members.
Premier Ramathuba highlighted the significance of the event, emphasizing that it represents a new era for the Mutele Traditional Community. She stated, “Today, we are here to witness the unfolding of history, one that carries the weight of tradition, the pride of lineage, and the promise of a new era for this community.” She also acknowledged the historical lineage of leadership within the Mutele Clan, referencing previous leaders such as Thovhele Mutele Ndwammbi, Thovhele Tshitangoni Jack, and Khosi Khorommbi John. The Premier noted that the leadership baton has now been passed to a woman, marking a transformative moment for the community.
Vho Thovhele Livhuwani Ntshandule comes from a distinguished background, having been raised under the guidance of her late parents, Khosi Mutele Khorommbi John and Nndafhiseni Emmah. She excelled academically, earning an Honours Degree in Social Work with Psychology from the University of Venda. Her upbringing and education provide her with a unique understanding of the challenges faced by her community, positioning her as a capable leader equipped to address both traditional and modern issues.
During her inauguration, the new Thovhele was encouraged to lead with humility, courage, and wisdom. Her appointment was widely recognized as a step towards greater inclusivity and empowerment for women within traditional leadership roles.
The Premier acknowledged the challenges currently facing the community, including water shortages, inadequate infrastructure, and high youth unemployment rates. She reassured attendees of the government’s commitment to collaborating with the new leadership to tackle these pressing issues.
To further support traditional councils, the Limpopo government is finalizing a framework for leasing land to promote sustainable investment. This initiative aims to unlock the economic potential of traditional areas through agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, and small business development, ultimately enhancing the livelihoods of community members.
In her acceptance speech, Vho Thovhele Livhuwani Ntshandule expressed her commitment to collaborative leadership. She emphasized the importance of education in overcoming poverty, saying, “Let me start by acknowledging my late parents, those who came before me and the unconditional love they gave me. I am honored to be of your service, and we are going to collaborate on many challenges that we are facing. I want to encourage young people to use education as the tool against poverty.”
As Vho Thovhele Livhuwani Ntshandule embarks on her new role, the Mutele Traditional Council and the broader community look forward to her leadership in fostering unity, dignity, and sustainable development. Her inauguration is seen as a celebration of tradition and a progressive step toward addressing contemporary challenges in the region.
