KING Mpendulo Zwelonke Sigcawu’s coronation is crucial to the nation and both the royal houses of AmaRharhabe and AmaGcaleka have worked hard towards its success.
AmaRharhabe spokesman Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe said they were very excited about the coronation. “It is sad that Sandile is no longer with us to witness the historic milestone of Phalo’s house. But he and King Xolilizwe and all other kings of our nation are with us in spirit.
“He would be equally excited looking to this important epoch of alteration,” said Burns-Ncamashe.
“We have a consequential relation with the Gcaleka house which will never be erased. We are together as the house of Phalo.”
Cordial working relations between the families have existed since time immemorial. The Xhosa nation was united, ruled by one king until the time of King Phalo. After him it split into AmaGcaleka east of the Kei River and AmaRharhabe west of it.
Gcaleka was born from the senior house of Phalo and Rharhabe from the right-hand, or junior house.
The Gcaleka house has been fighting for sovereignty over all AmaXhosa, but the Rharhabe house, while recognising Gcaleka’s seniority, is resisting, saying they are autonomous as a kingdom.
But this did not create animosity, and even when the Nhlapo Commission, which declared Zwelonke the king of all AmaXhosa, dismissed AmaRharhabe kingship in 2010 it did not fuel confrontation between the two houses. Instead, the families “maturely handled the situation”.
AmaRharhabe have appealed the commission’s findings in court.
According to AmaXhosa custom, a reigning king of the Gcalekas officiates at the funeral of a Rharhabe king, the succession process, coronation, installation and enrobing of a new king – and vice versa.
King Xolilizwe wrote in 1981 that Velile Archie Sandile was installed by Zwelidumile, Xolilizwe’s father, in 1961. “This is in accordance with custom. On succession of AmaGcaleka, I was installed by Velile Archie Sandile. On the death of Sandile, I presided at his funeral.”
This is in his affidavit in his court bid to prevent parliament from voting on any bill that would grant Ciskei independence, saying that would divide the Xhosa nation.
Despite the court disputes, they remain attached to their common customs and this is applauded by people as a sign of maturity and respect for family rituals.
Royal family preparatory committee chairman General Derrick Mgwebi said the houses were united.
“Both houses own the event. We are one family, one people. This is history. We maintain our custom.”
When King Xolilizwe died on December 31 2005, AmaRharhabe King Maxhobayakhawuleza Zanesizwe Sandile presided over the funeral and on the succession thereafter, and announced Zwelonke as the successor following royal family deliberation.
Now, AmaRharhabe regent Queen Noloyiso Sandile, King Sandile’s widow, is to do the honours. But since she is a woman she and the royal families may request one of the AmaRharhabe veteran chiefs from the Tshawe royal clan closest to the two houses to preside over the installation on her behalf.
Xhosa historian Mda Mda applauded the two houses. — lulamilef@dispatch.co.za.
Shared history keeps houses loyal through disputes
AmaRharhabe spokesman Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe said they were very excited about the coronation. “It is sad that Sandile is no longer with us to witness the historic milestone of Phalo’s house. But he and King Xolilizwe and all other kings of our nation are with us in spirit.
“He would be equally excited looking to this important epoch of alteration,” said Burns-Ncamashe.
“We have a consequential relation with the Gcaleka house which will never be erased. We are together as the house of Phalo.”
Cordial working relations between the families have existed since time immemorial. The Xhosa nation was united, ruled by one king until the time of King Phalo. After him it split into AmaGcaleka east of the Kei River and AmaRharhabe west of it.
Gcaleka was born from the senior house of Phalo and Rharhabe from the right-hand, or junior house.
The Gcaleka house has been fighting for sovereignty over all AmaXhosa, but the Rharhabe house, while recognising Gcaleka’s seniority, is resisting, saying they are autonomous as a kingdom.
But this did not create animosity, and even when the Nhlapo Commission, which declared Zwelonke the king of all AmaXhosa, dismissed AmaRharhabe kingship in 2010 it did not fuel confrontation between the two houses. Instead, the families “maturely handled the situation”.
AmaRharhabe have appealed the commission’s findings in court.
According to AmaXhosa custom, a reigning king of the Gcalekas officiates at the funeral of a Rharhabe king, the succession process, coronation, installation and enrobing of a new king – and vice versa.
King Xolilizwe wrote in 1981 that Velile Archie Sandile was installed by Zwelidumile, Xolilizwe’s father, in 1961. “This is in accordance with custom. On succession of AmaGcaleka, I was installed by Velile Archie Sandile. On the death of Sandile, I presided at his funeral.”
This is in his affidavit in his court bid to prevent parliament from voting on any bill that would grant Ciskei independence, saying that would divide the Xhosa nation.
Despite the court disputes, they remain attached to their common customs and this is applauded by people as a sign of maturity and respect for family rituals.
Royal family preparatory committee chairman General Derrick Mgwebi said the houses were united.
“Both houses own the event. We are one family, one people. This is history. We maintain our custom.”
When King Xolilizwe died on December 31 2005, AmaRharhabe King Maxhobayakhawuleza Zanesizwe Sandile presided over the funeral and on the succession thereafter, and announced Zwelonke as the successor following royal family deliberation.
Now, AmaRharhabe regent Queen Noloyiso Sandile, King Sandile’s widow, is to do the honours. But since she is a woman she and the royal families may request one of the AmaRharhabe veteran chiefs from the Tshawe royal clan closest to the two houses to preside over the installation on her behalf.
Xhosa historian Mda Mda applauded the two houses. — lulamilef@dispatch.co.za.
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