As king buried, eyes turn to succession
● As thousands of mourners on Friday bade farewell to the man who had ruled the Xhosa nation for the past 13 years, members of the royal family prepared to discuss who his successor will be.
King Mpendulo Sigcawu died at the age of 51 at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha on November 14.
He was declared the legitimate king in 2010 by then president Jacob Zuma following a determination by the Commission on Traditional Leadership Disputes and Claims, which decides the authenticity of traditional leaders in SA.
By then he had already ruled since 2006, having succeeded his father, King Xolilizwe Sigcawu, to the throne.
Family spokesperson Prince Xhanti Sigcawu told the Sunday Times: “When the family is ready and done with all its processes … then we will call the nation and inform them who will take over from the late king.”
The prince said he did not foresee any contestation, unlike when the late king was challenged in May 2010 — amid preparations for his coronation — by his aunt, Princess Nomaxhosa Sigcawu, who claimed she was the rightful successor. The court dismissed her claim in 2015.
Sigcawu had four wives, and two of his eight children were born from his customary wives. This leaves no heir to his throne, however, as none of his wives were acknowledged as royal wives by the Great House.
The Sunday Times has learnt that Sigcawu’s brothers, Ahlangene, who is SA’s ambassador to Ireland, and Simphiwe are the frontrunners to take over. Neither was prepared to comment on Friday.
It is now up to the amaGcaleka and amaRharhabe kingdoms, which make up the royal household, to make the decision. AmaRharhabe spokesperson Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe said they would be guided by custom and tradition.
“As custom dictates, the right-hand house of Phalo, and amaRharhabe Queen Noloyiso Sandile, will make the pronouncement.”
He said it was taboo in Xhosa culture to discuss the succession issue before the funeral. “However, we do not foresee a long or a tedious process now.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa and former president Thabo Mbeki were among the mourners on Friday at Nqadu Great Place.