GREAT LEADER THROUGH TIME

IN 1993, Chief Samuel Dickinson Weller Nxumalo ruffled feathers within the ranks of the homeland government when he mooted a pact with the ANC.

Nxumalo, pictured, who was the right hand man of former Ximoko Party leader and chief minister of then Gazankulu, Hudson Ntsanwisi ’ s Ximoko, defied protestations by some of his colleagues, who wanted the party to contest the first national democratic elections without partners.

“If we are to make a meaningful contribution in the politics of South Africa, we cannot go it alone,” Nxumalo had said at the time.

He also introduced the concept of “open door ” policy, and allowed everyone, from elites to the rank and file, to approach his office to discuss any issues.

He was a firm believer in the self-reliance and capabilities of locals.

At some point, Nxumalo – who died at his home in Magona, Limpopo, on March 7 – fumed when white officials were seconded by the National Partyled government to watch over homeland leaders ’ administration.

“These people are not here for our comfort,” he fumed, calling for their withdrawal.

But it was soon time for the Mathabatha and Chief Eric Mpisane Nxumalo, whose recent claim to the Gaza throne of his predecessor, King Nghunghunyani, was dashed in the high court in Pretoria.

Nxumalo succeeded Ntsanwisi as Gazankulu ’ s chief minister.

In 2010, he made history by stepping down as chief of the Magona area in favour of his son. Nxumalo ’ s son, Busa Nxumalo, is chairman of the Vhembe House of Traditional Leaders.

Chief Nxumalo will be laid to rest tomorrow at Magona, Malamulele. The funeral service will start at 6am.

negotiated settlement through the Convention for a Democratic South Africa, and he had intimated that the days of whites looking over the shoulders of African leaders were numbered. After the first democratic elections, Nxumalo served one term as an...