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29 November 2008

Mahosi na Magota,
Mahosi, Tihosi, Makgoshi,
Members of Mphephu Royal family,
Members of Mphephu Traditional Council,
Executive Mayor of Vhembe District Municipality,
Mayor of Makhado Local Municipality,
Chairperson of Vhembe and Limpopo Houses of Traditional Leaders,
Leaders of political parties,
Representatives of Congress of Traditional leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA),
Religious leaders,
Community leaders,
Representatives of the Office of the Premier,
Business representatives,

Today is like no other day in the history of our province and country as we celebrate the crowning of Khosikhulu Thovhele Vho Toni Mphephu Ramabulana at Dzanani Royal Palace exactly ten years ago. The enthronement of Khosikhulu Thovhele Vho Ramabulana was indeed an extraordinary historic day which even attracted the presence of our then former State President Mr Nelson Mandela. We have come here again to relive that moment when the rightful heir to the Mphephu Royal kinship became the Thovhele of the Vhavenda people.

We join you in celebrating this important day because we understand its importance not only amongst the Vhavenda people but also to the people of our country. As government and the people of Limpopo, we remain grateful to the Royal family and the Traditional Council for the sterling role they have played in maintaining the dignity and stature of this Royal Council over the last ten years. Indeed, what we have seen over the last ten years is an example of a traditional authority which is at peace with itself and the people it leads.

The ten years of Vho-Thovhele's reign has been one characterised by the spirit of consultation, good governance, good neighbourliness and friendship with the people. The overwhelming presence amongst us here of traditional leaders from near and afar is yet another testimony of the generosity of spirit for which our Thovhele is much known for.

The presence of businesspeople, professionals, civic and religious leaders in this occasion further attest to the esteem with which your majesty is held out there in the community.

We say this because no traditional leader is an island. The king is a king to all his subjects irrespective of their belief, religion or status in life. Khosi ndi Khosi nga Lushaka! Shango la shaya Thovhele ndi mulano! The measure of success of any good leadership, lie on the number of bridges which are built, but also on the extent to which the subjects of the leader also become successful.

This may never happen if leaders do not see themselves as servants of the people, driven only by the spirit of love and concern for their subjects.

The greatest amongst leaders are those who diligently serve people the most, often without seeking glory and material gain in return.

Although, traditional leaders may not have been elected, they remain accountable and should be guided by the same noble values and principles which govern other societal leaders. This is the hallmark of traditional leadership in a democracy.

One of the challenges which face leaders alike and with no exception, is the daunting task of bringing change and development to the lives of our people.

Our people rightfully deserve good roads, water, houses, electricity and these are the things we should spend time collaborating on. Both government and traditional leadership would have failed the people if we do not tackle these challenges.

If we fail to do these, we would not be the deserving heirs to the legacy of our warrior Kings such as Makhado, Sekhukhune and Nghunghunyane.

Our country needs to look up for inspiration from these leaders, particularly in times such as these when we are challenged by the problems of moral degeneration and lack of social cohesion.

Today's traditional leaders have a responsibility to inculcate positive values and morals, in order for us to become the nation and the society we have always wanted to be.

The first ten years of Khosikhulu's reign has been very exemplary in many respects. We have got no reason to believe as government that the next decade will become even more resounding.

We pray for our leader's health and wish his Majesty many more years to live.

May your graciousness and wisdom continue to carry us through!

Happy ten years anniversary!

Ndo livhuwa, Ndaa!

Issued by: Limpopo Provincial Government
29 November 2008