Hosi Phylia Nwamitwa II

Hosi Phylia Tinyiko Lwandlamuni Nwamitwa II (1939 or 1940 – 9 February 2026), also known as Tinyiko Nwamitwa-Shilubana, was a South African traditional ruler who was the traditional leader of the Valoyi area in Limpopo.

Chieftaincy She was appointed the chief of the area in 2002, after series of disagreements with her cousin on her succession to the throne due to her female gender. The disagreements began after her father, Hosi Fofoza Nwamitwa, died in 1968 without a male heir. Due to the law which restricted the seat to male primogeniture at the time, her uncle, Richard succeeded the throne as regent. Hosi Richard died in 2001, when the 1994 South African Constitution, which guarantees equal rights for both genders was in force. As the rightful heir, Phylia Nwamitwa sought to reclaim her right to the throne. She was sent to court by her displeased cousin Sidwell Nwamitwa, son of Hosi Richard, who argued that the royal authorities had no right to alter the tradition of the Valoyi people. She was installed as the traditional ruler after winning the case. According to the ruling of the Constitutional court, the 1994 South African Constitution guarantees the dignity and status of women as citizens of no less value to male citizens. She is the first female traditional ruler of the Vatsonga people, and the first woman in the nation's history to be appointed Hosi. Lead researchers on the project, Peace A. Medie, Adriana A. E Biney, Amanda Coffie and Cori Wielenga, have also published an opinion piece titled "Women traditional leaders could help make sure the pandemic message is heard" in The Conversation news, which discusses how women traditional leaders can educate their subjects on COVID-19.

Phylia Nwamitwa II died on 9 February 2026, at the age of 86.