The battle to find an acting king in the Eastern Cape has taken another turn‚ with the AbaThembu nation being told that a chief who called a meeting at the royal palace was speaking without any authority.
Nkosi Bhekizulu Sidima Mnqanqeni from Ngcobo under the royal house of Mnqanqeni‚ and Mr Zilimbola Mpahlana from Qumbu‚ Chulunce location‚ announced the meeting on Unitra Community Radio‚ said Nkosi Daludumo Mtirara‚ spokesperson for the royal family.
“There will be no meeting of AbaThembu nation on Friday‚ 29 April at the royal residence in Bumbane. AbaThembu nation are requested to ignore the announcement made by Nkosi Bhekizulu and Mr Mpahlana. These members are confused. They are now trying to disrupt our nation. They have no mandate whatsoever on the impasse of the acting king of AbaThembu.
“The royal family condemns these members for their mischievous action intended to undermine the formal structures in the Kingdom of AbaThembu.
“We will write to the head of the Mnqanqeni Royal House‚ report that Nkosi Bhekizulu crossed the lines and he must be reprimanded by his royal family‚” Mtirara said.
The AbaThembu king‚ Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo‚ is serving a 12-year jail term for offences including kidnap and assault. He has hired a lawyer to represent him in any attempts to depose him.
A series of hearings meant to elect an acting king while he served his jail term have been held. The hearings were organised by the Commission on Traditional Leadership Disputes and Claims following a request from the royal family.
Candidates for the position include the king’s brother Prince Mthandeni Mankunku Dalindyebo and the king’s son Prince Azenathi Dalindyebo.
Earlier this year‚ two royal family factions deadlocked on electing an acting king‚ then resolved to appeal to the commission for assistance.
In January‚ SowetanLive reported that the Greater Dlomo Royal Family‚ which is the extension of the divided Ngangelizwe Royal Family‚ had announced that Azenathi (23) would take over from his father. However‚ Chief Daludumo Mtirara rejected the crown prince‚ vowing not to recognise him as king.
The Commission hearings were to be held earlier this month‚ but were postponed after a submission by the faction supporting Azenathi.
Mtirara claimed the meeting called for Friday was an attempt to disrupt the Commission process.
“They must stop their tricks‚ prepare for the Commission and allow it to sit as proposed by them and agreed upon by all royal houses…
“The royal family is ready to prove (its position) before the Commission.”
AbaThembu royal family distance themselves from Friday meeting
Nkosi Bhekizulu Sidima Mnqanqeni from Ngcobo under the royal house of Mnqanqeni‚ and Mr Zilimbola Mpahlana from Qumbu‚ Chulunce location‚ announced the meeting on Unitra Community Radio‚ said Nkosi Daludumo Mtirara‚ spokesperson for the royal family.
“There will be no meeting of AbaThembu nation on Friday‚ 29 April at the royal residence in Bumbane. AbaThembu nation are requested to ignore the announcement made by Nkosi Bhekizulu and Mr Mpahlana. These members are confused. They are now trying to disrupt our nation. They have no mandate whatsoever on the impasse of the acting king of AbaThembu.
“The royal family condemns these members for their mischievous action intended to undermine the formal structures in the Kingdom of AbaThembu.
“We will write to the head of the Mnqanqeni Royal House‚ report that Nkosi Bhekizulu crossed the lines and he must be reprimanded by his royal family‚” Mtirara said.
The AbaThembu king‚ Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo‚ is serving a 12-year jail term for offences including kidnap and assault. He has hired a lawyer to represent him in any attempts to depose him.
A series of hearings meant to elect an acting king while he served his jail term have been held. The hearings were organised by the Commission on Traditional Leadership Disputes and Claims following a request from the royal family.
Candidates for the position include the king’s brother Prince Mthandeni Mankunku Dalindyebo and the king’s son Prince Azenathi Dalindyebo.
Earlier this year‚ two royal family factions deadlocked on electing an acting king‚ then resolved to appeal to the commission for assistance.
In January‚ SowetanLive reported that the Greater Dlomo Royal Family‚ which is the extension of the divided Ngangelizwe Royal Family‚ had announced that Azenathi (23) would take over from his father. However‚ Chief Daludumo Mtirara rejected the crown prince‚ vowing not to recognise him as king.
The Commission hearings were to be held earlier this month‚ but were postponed after a submission by the faction supporting Azenathi.
Mtirara claimed the meeting called for Friday was an attempt to disrupt the Commission process.
“They must stop their tricks‚ prepare for the Commission and allow it to sit as proposed by them and agreed upon by all royal houses…
“The royal family is ready to prove (its position) before the Commission.”
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos