LIMPOPO – Hosi Nhlaniki has called on the government to help accelerate development in his traditional authority, including in the 12 villages recently returned to his leadership following a lengthy legal battle over their traditional leadership.

Speaking during Nhlaniki Day celebrations held at Nhlaniki village on Friday, attended by various dignitaries, including Finance Deputy Minister David Masondo, Hosi Nhlaniki said the event was not only about celebrating the community’s culture and heritage but also marking a significant victory in the struggle to retain the villages under his traditional authority.

“As some of you may be aware, in the past five to seven years we have been running around in the courts trying to defend the ownership of twelve villages that were about to be snatched away from Nhlaniki’s traditional authority,” he said.

Rival loses over consultation failure

He was referring to a protracted legal dispute between himself and Hosi Maswanganyi, whom he maintains is one of his subjects. Maswanganyi had initially won recognition as an independent chief but subsequently lost the court battle because the Nhlaniki Royal Family had not been consulted during the process that led to his installation.

The two traditional leaders continued contesting the matter through the courts, with Hosi Nhlaniki eventually emerging victorious. However, the implementation of the court judgment was apparently delayed until recently, when Maswanganyi was officially dethroned, and the 12 villages under his leadership were placed under Nhlaniki’s authority.

Describing the outcome as a major victory, Nhlaniki likened the struggle to David’s biblical battle against Goliath, drawing applause and ululation from the crowd.

We fought them in every court, including the Constitutional Court, and won.

Unity and service take centre stage

However, he stressed that the restoration of the 12 villages marked the beginning of a new chapter focused on unity and development.

Despite past conflicts, he said, all communities remained part of Nhlaniki and would work together towards progress. He said traditional leaders were now expected to serve their communities and prioritise development rather than expect communities to serve them.

Mining seen as route to jobs

He appealed to the government to help bring development to the villages. Nhlaniki identified mining as a potential source of jobs and improved livelihoods. More than 15 residents held mining permits but lacked the funds to start operations. He urged the government to assist them, saying mining could create jobs and help reduce crime.