By Celani Sikhakhane
The UMkhonto weSizwe Party in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature alleges that a Pietermaritzburg-based politician has been sowing division among different royal families – leading to infighting in different clans.
The allegations were made by MKP member of Legislature, Phumlani Mfeka, during the debate on the KZN Premier State of the Province address.
Although Mfeka didn’t mention that “heavyweight” politician by name, he stated that it’s a politician from Willowfontein.
Willowfontein is a rural area outside Pietermaritzburg famously known to be the home village of former Health Minister and KZN Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize.
“You can’t replace a rightful heir but we have certain politicians, one of them from Willowfontein (in Pietermaritzburg) who has interfered in so many royal houses.
“This, Madam Speaker, is a serious spiritual problem, as the spirit of the late kings, particularly in this province, have risen and they are demanding what is rightfully theirs from their living descendents,” said Mfeka.
He said even when these royal houses try to write to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in the province they are ignored – which he says has even led to bloodshed.
He mentioned that the feuds have led to the death of 56 traditional leaders and 34 headmen, since 2019 as the royal families in the province are facing over 121 internal feuds.
Mfeka says that before the interference of politicians and courts, the Nguni people had what is called Unkatho Lobukhosi, a royal ceremony that is used to find out from the royal ancestors and the late kings who should be the rightful heir.
He says the process is no longer followed and the factions over the throne rather go to court.
Pictured above: MK Party Member of KZN Legislature, Phumlani Mfeka, accused certain politicians of interfering with traditional leadership thrones.
Image Source: MKP
