Late caretaker king hailed
Dignitaries gather to lay Nkosi Dumehleli Nongudle Mapasa to rest
The late AmaXhosa caretaker king Nkosi Dumehleli Nongudle Mapasa was a smart dresser, gentleman, teetotaller and a hard worker, royals and government leaders said at his funeral on Friday.
The king was also lauded for using his vast experience in traditional leadership governance to develop his people, and promote education and agriculture.
His funeral was held at his Thuthurha
Great Place near Centane.
Prominent at the event were AmaTshawe royal family chair Nkosi Daliwonga Mgwebi, AmaRharhabe royal spokesperson Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, Moral Regeneration Movement provincial chair Nkosi Ngangomhlaba Matanzima, transport MEC Weziwe Tikana-Gxothiwe and Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders acting provincial chair Nkosi Langa Mabuso.
Mapasa died at Life St Dominic’s Hospital in East London on September 30, just three days shy of his 84th birthday.
He was thrust into the royal hot seat after the death of AmaXhosa King Mpendulo Zwelonke Sigcawu on November 14 2019.
Mapasa died two months after Xhosa royal AmaRharhabe Queen-Regent Noloyiso Sandile died on July 8 as a result of Covid-19related ailments.
She reigned from 2011 following the death of her husband, King Maxhoba Zanesizwe Sandile.
Among the monarchs who attended was Sandile’s son, the newly crowned AmaRharhabe King Jonguxolo Vululwandle Sandile, and Western Thembuland King Siyambonga Dalimvula Matanzima.
Ngangomhlaba Matanzima, who spoke strongly against alcohol abuse among traditional leaders, said Mapasa was a good example of progressive traditional leadership.
“Dumehleli was one of the old-school traditional leaders who was a strict disciplinarian. He led by example in upholding and instilling discipline, respect and good governance, ” he said.
He said Mapasa, who ruled the Thuthurha Traditional Council and Bhurhu people for more than 37 years, had initiated several educational “and agricultural projects in his community. Matanzima described Mapasa as a role model for young traditional leaders and that he had left behind a good legacy.
Mgwebi and Burns-Ncamashe said his death was a heavy blow.
“Nkosi Mapasa, a patriot, was loved and respected by AmaXhosa royal house and the entire nation for being a straight talker and always standing up for the truth. He was also very experienced in traditional leadership “matters and used that wealth of knowledge for the benefit of AmaXhosa as a nation. We thank him,” Burns-Ncamashe said.
He said the number of deaths recently of AmaXhosa leaders was a worry.
Once again the House of Phalo has found itself poorer with the loss of such a gallant leader,” Burns-Ncamashe said. “The royal family is still discussing this matter [of succession]. As soon as internal process are finalised we will announce the successor.”
The Dispatch is aware that the AmaXhosa royal family is divided on the issue. Some are in favour of Prince Ahlangene Sigcawu.
Tikana-Gxothiwe expressed concern over the high coronavirus death toll, saying: Coronavirus is not gone. We are not yet out of the woods. We must obey and observe regulations. ”
PAC president Mzandile Nyontso said Mapasa had been a champion of rural development.