LIMPOPO – Middle Letaba Dam, which will soon be renamed N’wamanungu Dam in honour of Hosi N’wamanungu Siweya, has reached full capacity for the second time since it was built and completed in 1984.

Hosi N’wamanungu, a Tsonga chief, settled in the area around the dam until he died in 1901. He is believed to have been a warrior who served under João Albasini, a Portuguese trader and hunter who established trade routes between Mozambique and South Africa in the 1840s with the assistance of local leaders.

For residents, the development is seen as a blessing from their ancestors following their successful bid to rename the dam. Although the name change is not yet official, many locals have already begun referring to it as N’wamanungu Dam.

The renaming process was initiated by Niketani Rikhotso, a resident of Ndengeza village with royal family ties to Hosi N’wamanungu. Rikhotso submitted a petition to the Limpopo Geographical Names Change Committee in September 2024, calling for the dam’s name to be changed.

Following news that the dam had reached full capacity, scores of residents flocked to the site to celebrate, causing traffic disruptions that required police intervention.

However, the committee behind the name change distanced itself from the gathering.

“The Sunday celebration at the dam was an informal event organised by individuals who felt the need to celebrate; we did not organise it. When we organise our official event, everyone will be informed,” said committee spokesperson July Sithole.

Sithole added that the development reaffirmed their earlier belief that renaming the dam would appease ancestors.

“As we have said before, the renaming of the dam would appease the ancestors and bring rain to fill it, and this has now happened. The dam is full because the ancestors are happy that we are finally going to rename it,” he said.

The renaming process is still pending, with the committee awaiting completion of administrative steps.

Although the name has been gazetted, a “yellow letter” must first be issued to all relevant departments, including the local municipality, before a formal renaming event can be scheduled. The letter is expected in early April.

Community activist Hlayisani Nkhwashu welcomed the development, noting that the dam has reached full capacity for the first time in 26 years, having previously only done so after heavy rains in 2000. He said this could create economic opportunities and help address water shortages.

However, he raised concerns about ageing infrastructure. The dam’s purification plant is operating below capacity due to outdated, failing equipment, while the pipeline system is old, prone to bursts, and partly vandalised. He expressed hope that government funding will be used to address these issues.