The Mphephu-Ramabulana royal family has described the newly appointed regent as a key figure and advisor to the VhaVenda throne.
The royal family announced the appointment of Vho-David Japan Ramabulana on Monday.
The regent, affectionately known as “Vho Japan”, is regarded as an important figure in the VhaVenda royal family.
The royal family announced the appointment of Vho-David Japan Ramabulana on Monday.
The royal family says Vho-David has always been supportive and played an important role to Dimbanyika Mphephu and Toni Mphephu-Ramabulana during their tenures.
The late Dimbanyika was the father to princess Masindi, whom the court declared as the rightful heir.
VhaVenda royal family spokesperson, Ntsieni Ramabulana, says the regent is fit for the position as he’s an elder in the family
The royal family spokesperson Ntsieni Ramabulana says the regent Ramabulana is an elder in the royal family.
“When Toni Mphephu-Ramabulana before the kingship or when the certificate was taken away, Vho Japan would always have been the elderly in the family. So he would be there to give support, he was always there to give support to Dimbanyika who happen to be Masindi’s father as well.”
“I can’t really say he is for this particular individual or that particular individual. His role has always been consistent. He is always an adviser as a senior member of the family,” explains Ntsieni Ramabulana.
Toni Mphephu-Ramabulana stepped down as a king following a ruling by the Constitutional Court in November 2021, which dismissed his application for leave to appeal the Thohoyandou High Court judgment that set aside a decision to appoint him as a king.
Court declares unlawful Toni Mphephu-Ramabulana as VhaVenda king:
He was being challenged by his niece princess Masindi Mphephu-Ramabulana.
“We are dealing with issues of court processes. We obviously want this issue to be resolved as soon as possible. The court case can last six months or more … we can’t speculate. He will be in the acting position until that matter is finalized in court. The matter is going back to court.”
“If you remember the Constitutional Court last year said the high court is the final arbitrator in this matter. So it has been taken back to the Thohoyandou High Court. We are still waiting for dates,” explains Ntsieni Ramabulana.
Some people in Louis Trichardt have welcomed the appointment of a regent.
“I think if they are still busy with preparations as a family … I don’t see the problem this [appointment] taking place now.”
Mphephu-Ramabulana was stripped of his kingship by the Supreme Court of Appeal in a judgment which ordered the withdrawal of his recognition certificate.
Meanwhile, the regent will be entitled to receive his salary and benefits.
