AmaQwathi head mourned
Nkosi Zwelakhe Jomo Makhi Dalasile 1965 - 2018
Tributes are pouring in following the death of AmaQwathi national paramount head Nkosi Zwelakhe Jomo Dalasile, who ruled over 44 villages for almost 30 years.
The soft-spoken traditional leader, who was held in high regard by AmaQwathi and AbaThembu alike, died in his sleep on New Year’s eve and will be given a royal sendoff at his Nkondlo Great Place near Ngcobo on January 10.
AmaQwathi royal spokesperson Prince Dabulingwe Ndzima said Dalasile had played a pivotal role in the upliftment of his people by spearheading the construction of many government offices, as well as attracting large investments into Nkondlo.
He assumed his position on June 6 1991, taking over from his uncle Nkosi Zanengqele Dalasile, who had been acting on his behalf since the death of his father Nkosi Mzikayise Dalasile.
Ndzima said Dalasile turned Nkondlo into a mini-town and brought government services closer to the people.
“Zwelakhe worked hard at uniting all the royal houses of AmaQwathi into one big united and strong nation and restored it to its former glory,” said Ndzima.
Dalasile and his nation of AmaQwathi played an important role in uniting and bringing harmony and stability to the AbaThembu throne.
AbaThembu acting King Azenathi Dalindyebo expressed shock at the death of Dalasile and applauded the nation of AmaQwathi on the role he played in royal affairs and administration, including succession of AbaThembu kingship.
“AmaQwathi have supported AbaThembu kingship from as far back as the days of our forefather King Ndaba.
“AmaQwathi have reinforced AbaThembu in a number of wars and assisted in rectifying internal disputes. Nkosi Zwelakhe has followed suit by showing allegiance to my father King Zwelibanzi [Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo],’’ he said.
Xesibe Heritage Association of Southern Africa (Xhasa) president and well-known political analyst Dr Somadoda Fikeni said that Dalasile died three months after he made history in calling for all the nation of AmaXesibe to meet at his great place in September 2018.
“Our prayers and thoughts are with the Zwelakhe family in this hour of need. He is the direct descent of Fubu and others and is part of the heritage of the fearless, independent group of AmaQwathi. His death is a big loss as he was resuscitating the heritage of both AmaQwathi and AmaXesibe,’’ said Fikeni.
Nkosi Mandla Mandela, of Nelson Mandela’s royal house, said: “The passing of leaders of this calibre is always cause for reflection and affirms the cycle of life and death, growth and decay, entropy and renewal. We wish the royal house of Dalasile and the family of Nkosi Dalasile and AmaQwathi all the strength, courage and patience during this period of bereavement.
“He lived his life in service to the community, he led with immense sagacity and experience, and in passing he left a legacy for his people of a life well lived, a journey well travelled and a rest well earned.
“In his tribute we recall the wise words of Madiba: ‘When a man has done all he can do for his country and his people, he can forever rest in peace’.”
Premier Phumulo Masualle conveyed a message of condolences to the Dalasile family and AmaQwathi.