I am not responsible for appointing traditional leader, Mpumalanga premier Refilwe-Mtshweni-Tsipane
Hosi Abednego Nxumalo inauguration attended by thousands
The Village Voice
Mpumalanga premier Refilwe-Mtshweni Tsipane says it is the responsibility of royal families to appoint traditional leaders and her role is to officially install them after the royal families have appointed the rightful heirs.
She was speaking at the inauguration of Hosi Abednego Nxumalo as senior traditional leader of the Amashangane Traditional Council.
He is also described as Bayethe by the Gaza Kingdom that seeks to promote the legacy of warrior king Nghunghunyane who fought colonialists until he was captured and banished to Portugal in 1895 where he died in 1906.
The premier said: “As I officiate in the coronation of Hosi Nxumalo, I do not expect to be hauled before the courts and answer about appointment because that is the role of the royal family.”
She said she was satisfied that there will be no disputes and the new leader will work together with the government for the development of the community.
Although the government was installing him as a senior traditional leader, local community members shouted the name “Bayethe”, that is associated with a king.
The event was graced by dignitaries not only from South Africa but also from neighbouring countries.
Justice Minister Ronald Lamula also addressed the event.
Referring to the new leader as Bayethe, he said according to the law, the event was supposed to be officiated by the Mpumalanga government only, but because of the rich history of the Ndwandwe clan, it has drawn guests from all levels of the government.
He congratulated the new leader and the Ndwandwe clan for the event well attended.
Former Governor of Gaza Province in Mozambique Eugen Nxumalo also urged all Nxumalos from all countries to rally behind the new leader saying he was the most senior.
“There is a need to preserve the legacy of our forefathers who led the Gaza kingdom, “he said.
Well known businessman Dr Reuel Khoza urged businessmen to work in unison with traditional leaders to develop their communities.
The new leader has also received support from Kgoshi Lemark Mokoena of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa, Dr Jan Nkuna of the Gaza Kingdom Executive Committee and Hosi Eric Mdabula who is the chairperson of the King’s Council established to support the kingship claims of the new leader.
He is the direct descendant of King Soshangane who formed the Gaza kingdom in 1820 after the defeat by Shaka of king Zwide of the Ndwandwe kingdom.
The general of the Zwide’s army, He later moved to Mozambique where he conquered several tribes to form the kingdom.
