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Shangaan chief makes history

FORMER ANC MP Samuel Nxumalo has made history by becoming the first Shangaan chief to pass on the chieftainship to his son while he is still alive.

Nxumalo, 82, received praises from various speakers at a function attended by thousands of people at Magona village in Malamulele, Limpopo, on Friday.

Mpisane Nxumalo, who is a direct descendant of warrior king Nghunghunyani, praised the former MP for his vision and exemplary leadership.

Nxumalo, who made a claim to the Nhlapo Commission to be declared king of the Shangaan people, belongs to the senior house and was the one who installed the new chief, Busa Charles Nxumalo, 33, as chief of the Gijana clan.

He said though the commission had dismissed his claim he was going ahead and that after succeeding in court to become king, he would appoint the octogenarian as traditional prime minister.

"We are proud of (Samuel) Nxumalo because he has done the Ngunis proud," Mpisane Nxumalo said.

Vhembe district municipality mayor Falaza Mdaka, who represented Limpopo Premier Cassel Mathale, said the ageing chief's tradition-busting action in giving power to his son was a lesson other traditional leaders should learn from.

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