After almost six years of waiting Sehlaba-Thebe community finally celebrated the inauguration of their new chief in early December.

Morena Thaabe Makhaola (former Sehlaba-Thebe chief) died in 2002 but during those years after his death there was no successor inaugurated till 6 December 2007 when Morena Maama Makhaola was put on the chieftainship throne. Over this time Morena Maama's younger brother (Morena Makhabane Makhaola) was in charge.

Speaking on the day, Morena Makhabane Makhaola said together with the Sehlaba-Thebe community they have already accepted Morena Maama as their chief. From now onwards, the people of Sehlaba-Thebe will see the smooth governance which is inclusive of the developments brought in the area by different ministries, NGOs and projects. He also showed that those developments should be preserved particularly by fighting against any sort of crime, stock theft in particular.

The District Council chairperson, Mr. Tokelo Mohlophe, was present during this event. He made it clear that Morena Maama should bear in that he is the chief of Sehlaba-Thebe as a whole and not of Mavuka only. He asked the new chief to join hands with his colleagues to fight all wrong practices. He also appealed to the new chief to unite with his people to fight strongly against veld-fires, as people seem to burn almost everywhere.

The Executive Officer from the Principal Chief's office, Mrs. Malipuo Lesaoana, pointed out that since Morena Thaabe Makhaola died in 2002 Sehlaba-Thebe has been in great darkness, melancholy and sadness. “If after this dark moment you will not treat your chief as valuable, it will appear as if you have not heard enough”, she said. Mrs Lesaoana appealed strongly to Morena Maama Makhaola to obtain the Chieftainship Act of 1968 which will play a vital role in assisting him to perform his duties tremendously well.

She ended her speech by telling the newly inaugurated chief that some of his people might come to him in cunning ways, therefore he should see good and bad things and decide accordingly. “You will be working with and serving the needy, poor, rich, crippled and illiterate, but should treat and serve them equally”.

On behalf of the Principal Chief of Qacha's Nek, Morena Halekhethe Makhaola, advised the people to respect, preserve and love their chief and the chief to do the same. He urged all to work together with councils in relation to developments in their area for the betterment of the people's lives. He announced therefore that Morena Makhabane Makhaola will officially still be in charge of the Sehlaba-Thebe in the absence of his brother who is a civil servant.

Morena Maama Makhaola was given a platform to air his views. He showed that he has accepted the advice and commands given to him and promised to fulfil them. In relation to the crimes, he indicated that together as one they can overcome all. He appealed to the people not to fear to give evidence concerning any sort of crime.