Community dealt a blow as Hosi Muhlava 2 passes on

Hosi Muhlava passes on

*Hosi Samuel Muhlava | Picture supplied*

Benson Ntlemo

One of the most well-known traditional leaders Hosi Muhlava 2, real names Mpumulana Samuel Muhlava of the Nkuna Traditional Council has passed on aged 76 after ruling his area for 48 years.

This was confirmed by the chairperson of the council Ntombi Muhlava who said: “it is true. He passed on after a short illness. We rushed him to Tzaneen Medi-clinic yesterday and that is where he passed on today (Saturday).”

Hosi Muhlava was born in 1944 the year his grandfather Hosi Muhlava 1 died.

Recently he attended an event in January organised by the ANC in Norman Mashabane Region (formerly) Mopani in which the party acknowledged the former’s participation in the party’s inaugural meeting in Bloemfontein in 1912.

In the meeting ANC provincial secretary Soviet Lekganyane delivered the keynote address and said in order not to betray the struggle of the founding fathers the ANC must return land to its rightful owners.

Hosi Muhlava was a much respected leader who was also known for his tough stance.

In a Muhlava Day event in 2011 he expressed his dismay in front of Richard Baloyi the then minister for cooperative governance and traditional affairs that the constitution did not allow him to fire headmen.

“There are many headmen in my area who are either lazy or corrupt but the constitution does not permit me to fire them, “he said.

*Hosi Muhlava seated next to his wife and Hosi Lwandlamuni Nwamitwa at Tivumbeni multipurpose centre during the memorial lecture of Hosi Muhlava 1. Pics Freddy Rikhotso*

He also said that because of his ill-health he wanted to groom his son Ribye so that when it is time for him to take over, he is ready.

It is understood that for some years his son was doing most of the job in place of his father.

The Muhlava was ruling in an area that has produced many people who have played a part in development in South Africa including in the struggle for liberation.

They include Finance Minister Tito Mboweni, deputy minister of police Cassel Mathale, former MEC in Limpopo Edgar Mushwana, former public Protector Lawrence Mushwana; Capricorn FM head James Shikwambane, Power FM founder Given Mkhari, Beka Ntsanwisi of Vakhegulu Vakhegulu fame and many others.

Well-known author Freddy Rikhotso is also from the area under Hosi Muhlava.

According to Ntombi Muhlava the family still has to sit down to make any arrangements following the death of the leader.

He is the son of Oubaas Muhlava,the son of Muhlava 1. He is survived by his wife and eight children.