Mphaphuli Tribal Council offices open in Thohoyandou

LIMPOPO – Some rural communities in and around the Mphaphuli dynasty will no longer have to travel far to access government services after the official opening of the Mphaphuli Tribal Council offices based in Mbilwi village outside Thohoyandou on Friday.

The opening was officiated by the Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, who was joined by the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Basikopo Makamu.

Ramathuba said the handover of the state-of-the-art Mphaphuli Traditional Council Offices, which boast an office block, guard house, easy access from the main road, palisade fencing, paving and open parking, is a significant milestone that highlights Provincial Government’s commitment towards the support and provision of tools of trade to traditional leaders.

“Traditional councils are the heartbeat of our communities, bridging the rich heritage of our past with the dynamic demands of the present. They are sanctuaries of culture and wisdom, custodians of our identity, and pillars of social cohesion.

“Today, as we open the doors to the Mphaphuli Traditional Council Office, we reaffirm our collective commitment to empowering these vital institutions and ensuring they thrive in the modern era,” said Ramathuba.

She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Thovhele Gole Mphaphuli and all traditional leaders across Limpopo, represented by the Provincial House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders (TKLA), local houses and Contralesa, saying their leadership is a beacon of guidance, rooted in the values of unity, justice and service.

“Here in Limpopo, significant strides have been made to strengthen these institutions. Out of 168 recognised senior traditional leaders, 157 traditional communities have been constituted, meeting the requirements of the TKLA. Around 40% of traditional council members are now elected by communities, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity. We are resolute in finalising the outstanding councils to ensure compliance with legal frameworks by February 2025,” Ramathuba added.

The Mphaphuli Traditional Council facility will serve the 76 villages under the stewardship of Thovhele Gole Mphaphuli, embodying the aspirations of the community.

Representing the Limpopo House of Traditional Leaders, Thovhele Ratshivumo II Rambuda said the house commends the good work the government was doing, recognising traditional leaders, building better facilities, which will be used to services communities in developing their areas.

In accepting the new facility, Thovhele Gole Mphaphuli said the new offices, will mean that communities around the Mphaphuli Tribal Council are set to get access to services under one roof, saying “Christmas has come earlier for our rural communities of Hampahaphuli”.

Thovhele Mphaphuli said he will “jealously protect the nice buildings from all forms of vandalism as these must also serve the generation to come”.