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Former school principal and development legend Mr Avhafarei Rollert Ravhura in happier times. Photo: supplied.

Pioneer of Makonde, Avhafarei Ravhura (75), dies

 

A dark cloud of mourning is hanging over the village of Makonde after the retired former principal of Makonde Primary School, Mr Avhafarei Rollert Ravhura (75), passed away last week.

Ravhura, who also acted as Makonde village’s traditional leader in the 80s, made sure that the village was one of the first to get electricity, landline telephones and running water in the former Venda homeland. He was also the brains behind the establishment of Raluvhimba High School, Makonde Clinic, Makonde Post Office, the Makonde power station, the Makonde irrigation scheme, Jim Masindi Primary School, the Makonde taxi rank, Makonde Shopping Centre, the improvement of the road network and the formalisation of demarcated residential and business stands, to name but a few. Commonly known as AR, the development legend was also a farmer with a wood plantation that provided local villagers with seasonal job opportunities.

He will also be remembered as a pillar of strength for the Ravhura Traditional Council, where he was the chief adviser who made sure that no traditional leadership vacuum occurred in the village for decades.

Under his leadership as principal of Makonde Primary School, the school was transformed from a mud structure to a modern building where teaching and learning are flourishing. Some of the children he taught during his time are now professionals, ranging from doctors, nurses, lawyers, journalists, teachers, and scientists to police officers, academics and prosperous entrepreneurs.

The deceased’s son, Humbulani Ravhura, confirmed his father’s death. “Indeed, as a family, we can confirm that our loved one has passed on. Although he was ill for some time, we thought he would recover and continue his work as a community builder. We are saddened by his passing because we as a family and many community members depended on his wisdom and advice in this village. But looking back at what my father did for the local community, we can proudly stand up and say he was a great man whose contribution will never be forgotten. I am proud of being an offspring of the man who is regarded as one of the greatest leaders that Venda has ever produced. Indeed, he has played his role and it is his time to rest. Judging by the number of condolences that we are receiving, it is clear that my father was loved by many, and he has touched many lives during his lifetime.”

Moses Malada, a businessman and owner of the NFD soccer club Pretoria Callies, paid tribute to his former mentor. Malada completed his primary schooling at Makonde Primary under the leadership of the late Ravhura. He said: “His passing is a great loss to the local communities because he made us what we are today. I used to visit him at his home, and he used to advise me on various aspects of life. He was a fatherly figure to everyone, and he bestowed the love of education on us, making our village a development nodal point that everyone aspires to stay in.”

*Ravhura was buried on Saturday last week at Zwiendeulu zwa Makonde (a sacred burial site for royalty).

 

 

Date:14 August 2021

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