LIMPOPO – Representatives of the Dzumeri Traditional Authority travelled to Polokwane on Tuesday to deliver a follow-up letter to the Office of the Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, over delays in implementing an investigative committee’s recommendations that Divila Wilson Mabunda be recognised as a senior traditional leader of Dzumeri.

The representatives are seeking clarity on when the recommendations will be processed after the committee concluded that Dzumeri qualifies for recognition as a traditional community and that Mabunda should be considered for recognition as its senior traditional leader.

Years-long dispute

The dispute, which has persisted for years, centres on the relationship between Dzumeri traditional leadership and the Mabunda royal family associated with Hosi Pheni Ngove.

The Mabunda royal family has argued that Dzumeri has historically been part of the Mabunda Traditional Council and that Divila Wilson was recognised as a sub-chief rather than an independent senior traditional leader.

It has also been argued that, under Mabunda custom, two brothers born to the same mother cannot both become chiefs within the same royal house.

Committee findings

However, the investigative committee concluded that the matter should primarily be considered one of recognition rather than restoration.

The committee found that Divila Wilson had exercised traditional leadership over Dzumeri for many years, with the community operating under its own leadership structures and traditional offices.

It also found that the “same womb” customary rule could not be used to exclude Mabunda from consideration for senior traditional leadership where doing so would conflict with constitutional equality principles.

Report not unanimous

The report was not unanimous. Hosi Adv Mukhari and Kgoshi Rahlagane opposed recognising Dzumeri as a separate traditional community, arguing that:

• It remained part of Mabunda
• Its land was gazetted under Mabunda
• There was insufficient evidence that Dzumeri had previously existed as an independent senior traditional authority

The majority disagreed, finding that Dzumeri’s longstanding governance, customary practices, structures and relationship with government met the requirements for recognition.

It also found that Dzumeri’s location within an area associated with Mabunda did not automatically disqualify it from recognition.

Recommendations not yet implemented

The report recommends that the Premier use her powers under the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act to recognise Dzumeri as a traditional community and Divila Wilson as its senior traditional leader.

However, this has not yet happened, despite the 60 days given to stakeholders to act or object having long expired.

CoGHSTA: Matter still receiving attention

CoGHSTA spokesperson Tsakani Sheila Baloyi said the matter was still receiving attention following changes to the provincial executive.

She said newly appointed MECs normally undergo induction, orientation, briefings and handovers before taking over their portfolios.

“The matter in question is receiving attention and the MECs would be briefed fully on the progress in this matter and a formal update on the process will be provided to the parties,” Baloyi said.

She asked the parties to allow the department to complete its investigation before an update is provided.