Thorny question of AmaXhosa king finally settled

Prince Ahlangene Vulikhaya Cyprian Sigcawu, the SA ambassador to Malawi, has been proclaimed AmaXhosa king by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

He will succeed his brother, the late King Mpendulo Zwelonke Sigcawu.

The announcement was made by premier Oscar Mabuyane and AmaXhosa royal family chair Nkosi Dalikhwezi Dondolo yesterday.

Ramaphosa signed the certificate on February 19 and co-operative governance minister Nkosazana DlaminiZuma wrote to Sigcawu on February 22.

“The name of Prince Ahlangene Sigcawu has been recognised by the president as the king of AmaXhosa,” Mabuyane said.

“This has happened after the president has taken into consideration all the submissions before him, including the objection and the request for an independent commission.

“This was communicated to me on Monday.”

The royal family had been divided over the throne and sent two names to Ramaphosa, one being of Ahlangene as permanent king and the other of Derrick Daliwonga Mgwebi as acting king after a dispute or objection was lodged over Ahlangene.

Mgwebi declined to comment, saying he was unaware of any recognition.

Mpendulo, who died on November 14 2019, assumed the throne on January 24 2006 after the death of his father, King Xolilizwe Sigcawu on December 31 2005 after 40 years on the throne.

The new king is Mpendulo’s brother from Queen Nogaweni, one of Xolilizwe’s five wives.

The succession issue of AmaXhosa has seen the Sigcawu royal family divided for more than 13 months over the throne.

Xhosa custom requires that a successor be named publicly the same day the deceased monarch is buried.

Ramaphosa has taken a year to recognise the new king and the delay was due to the succession row.

Dondolo wrote to Mabuyane on February 20 2020 indicating the royal family had decided on Ahlangene as a successor.

“After looking at all the requirements of identifying and nominating a king, the royal family has resolved on Ahlangene Cyprian Sigcawu, who is the right-hand house son of King Xolilizwe, as the person to lead the Xhosa nation,” Dondolo wrote.

But on the same date a dispute was lodged.

This week, the new king and the royal family will craft the way forward.