By Celani Sikhakhane
King Misuzulu KaZwelithini is set to crown the uncle of former Miss South Africa, Lalela Mswane, as head of the Mthiyane clan, who live in the mineral-rich area of Richards Bay on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
The clan pleaded with King Misuzulu to take over the installation of traditional leaders from the Traditional Affairs department to avoid the interference of politicians – who are accused of dividing the Mthiyane clan because of their interest in the mineral resources in the area.
The clan’s Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) is a world leader in heavy mineral sand extraction and refining. RBM mines mineral-rich sand in the north of the province and produces materials used in a wide range of everyday products, from paint to smartphones.
On Thursday night, Phineas Mthiyane of the KwaSokhulu tribal authority and his clan performed the ritual of Ukuthela Amanzi, a cleansing ceremony ahead of the crowning of an heir to the throne.
Only men and the king were allowed to go to the river to perform those sacred rituals in preparation for the Mthiyane heir to take over the throne.
On Friday the clan met the king formally at the kwaKhangela Amankengana Royal Palace and presented the Zulu royal family with gifts.
Speaking at the ceremony, King Misuzulu said this was the first ritual of this kind since he ascended the throne.
He said this ritual was always performed by past Zulu kings, including his late father, King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.
He said the ritual played a vital role in creating peace and harmony in the nation and discouraged clans from infighting over the throne.
The date for the installation of the Mthiyane traditional leader of the Sukhulu tribal authority is yet to be announced.
Pictured above: Delegations of different clans including the Mthiyane of the Sukhulu tribal authority visited King Misuzulu KaZwelithini to perform the Ukuthela Amanzi ritual.
Source: Supplied
