‘Gentle yet bold’ – Hosi Nwamitwa’s reign of impact

While many remember her as a leader who broke boundaries and poured out her life to serve with strength, boldness and resilience, the family of Hosi, Dr Phylia Tinyiko Nwamitwa the second remember her as a gentle tower of selflessness, grace, and unity. These sentiments are cascaded during her official memorial service held on the 20th of February 2026 at eNtsindza Fofoza Royal House, Nwamitwa Village.

Following a long legal battle against a cousin for the throne, the Queen’s reign formally began in 2008 after succeeding her father, Hosi Fofoza Nwamitwa the first, where she became the first female traditional ruler of the Valoyi people in Limpopo. Her ascension tore down gender disparities and challenged the principle of male ‘birthright’ succession in traditional leadership.

Thus, Hosi Dr Nwamitwa II became a beacon of women’s empowerment, affirming their constitutional rights to equality, dignity, and leadership, especially within customary law systems. She emancipated women to believe that they are as capable as men to lead and take charge.

Additionally, she was committed towards bridging the worlds of traditional authority and constitutional laws, proving that the two can co-exist.

“She also developed the advisory board comprising selected men and women from different disciplines to improve local community through education, employment and empowerment,” recalls Professor David Mosoma, Chair of the Advisory Council. Another testament to her determination and foresight, she spearheaded the establishment of Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) to be developed in Giyani which unfortunately, will be officially opened in March 2026 in her absence.

Using culture, education and Christianity as tools for transformative change, the late Queen went above and beyond to serve her community with humility by being the voice to the overpowered, the liberty to the oppressed, and the hope to the vulnerable. Even among her family, she instilled strong values of solidarity, compassion, and ethicality.

Hosi Dr Nwamitwa’s journey of life came to a halt on Monday, the 09th of February 2026, leaving behind not only her family, friends, and community at large, but a legacy deeply rooted in community development. She is remembered as a faithful servant who ran a good course and served with purpose.

“Leadership is not about commanding from above, but serving from within,” remarks Ms Ntsako Silinda, granddaughter of the late Hosi Dr Nwamitwa II as she summarises her grandmother’s reign. PM