Mzimela chieftaincy dispute hots up
UNCERTAINTY is causing serious concerns for the Mzimela Traditional Authority, over who is the rightful head - iNkosi Thanda Mzimela or ‘iNkosi’ Sigcwelegcwele Ngema? This comes in the wake of the installation of ‘iNkosi’ Sigcwelegcwele Ngema of Ezikoshi Reserve, which falls under the Mzimela Traditional Authority.
The area has been known for years to having been led by iNkosi Mpiyezintombi Mzimela and, after his passing, his son iNkosi Thanda. The emergence of Sigcwelegcwele has taken community members, including local iziNduna, by shock. The Warriors Commander, Induna Thembinkosi Biyela of Mzimela Traditional Authority has vowed to do everything in his power to protect the throne of the reigning iNkosi Thanda Mzimela, while rejecting ‘iNkosi’ Sigcwelegcwele.
During a media briefing held last week, Biyela said there was no way there could be two Amakhosi in one area. ‘We are here to reaffirm our support for iNkosi Thanda Mzimela and wish to dismiss any pretenders to the throne.’ He appealed to the community to remain calm, adding that their chieftaincy was still intact. ‘We have received numerous complaints from local residents living outside our area, after seeing Ngema’s installation as an iNkosi.
‘We know nothing about his installation,’ he said. Ngema, who reiterated that he was indeed an iNkosi, said he had nothing against the Mzimela Clan but was claiming what rightfully belonged to his forefathers. ‘I have submitted all the necessary documentation to the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and have introduced ourselves to His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini,’ said Ngema.
KZN COGTA spokesperson, Lennox Mabaso said Ngema should follow correct procedures if he feels that his forefathers were robbed of the chieftaincy. ‘We can’t have two Amakhosi in one area. He must stop confusing the community and refrain from breaking the law,’ said Mabaso.