Africa-Press – Eswatini. A faction of the Mamba Clan has come out to dispute that the newly- blessed leader King Maloyi III is the rightful person to succeed King Maja II.
In a statement released by the Mamba Royal Household of King Maja II, in Council with the Mamba Royal households in the kingdom, they stated that they did not recognise King Maloyi III.
King Maloyi III was presented before Their Majesties a month ago to be blessed as the new clan leader by senior Prince Phinda.
King Maloyi III was the youngest traditional leader to be presented.
According to the statement, the Mamba household said all the proper steps leading to one’s selection to be the next Mamba king were flouted.
They stated that the Mamba Royal Household’s procedures on king selection were ignored in his case and by extension, they did not approve tomorrow’s event intended for the presentation of the king to the Mamba people.
They further stated that the king remained unrecognised by them in every possible way and no amount of force, both internal and external shall ever convince them otherwise.
“We shall not allow the history and heritage of the Mamba Royal Family and Clan to be distorted by a selected few individuals, running a state capture programme.
We only recognise the existence and validity of King Bhokweni II, son of the late King Maja II as king designate of the Mamba people, in office since August 21, 2021,” they stated.
“At this point, we also wish to make it known that we are fully aware that Their Majesties were made to believe that Sibonelo named King Maloyi III was born to King Maja II and Inkhosikati LaBafana.
“This is a blatant lie, meant to make Their Majesties believe that all is well in the Mamba Kingdom so as to garner their support in making the illegitimate Sibonelo the imposter king he now is.
“We therefore do not recognise Sibonelo as our rightful king since he is not a son to King Maja II,” they stated.
Further, the clan’s senior princes stated that they shall take this matter up with the courts and proper traditional structures, against both Inkhosikati LaBafana and Sibonelo, when the right time comes.
“In conclusion, may we plead with our valued people of the Mamba kingdom to bear with us as we navigate our way through this difficult time in the history of the land.
“A time when we need to stay true to ourselves and defend our heritage which is at stake as a people,” they stated.
Traditionalists recently strongly condemned factions within and outside families that continue to dispute the recently appointed chiefs even after they were blessed by Their Majesties.
Manzini Regional Administrator Chief Gija explained that it was only the king who had a right to revoke any appointment because chiefs are appointed and blessed to look after the people and area on behalf of the king.
He said disputes ended before Their Majesties blessed these chiefs.
He said this was how democracy was in that people viewed situations differently and took a stand supporting whom they believed to be deserving.
Chief Gija said where chiefs were concerned it was considered where the mother of the chief-elect was born.
The mother being born of royalty or from a royal kraal is one of the factors considered in the appointment of a chief.
“But the bottom line is once one is blessed by Their Majesties, no one can oppose that appointment.
“Remember, if the king wishes, he can remove the appointed person and give the chieftaincy to another household. It is highly unlikely that the king can go back on his word.
We, therefore, strongly reprimand these acts because it is not our lifestyle as Emaswati,” he said.
Acting Ludzidzini Royal Residence Governor Themba Ginindza said as much as disputes do not end easily, they do not expect any opposing factions to continue fighting because their Majesties clearly stated that once they had blessed the candidates, they could not turn back on their word.
“It would then be surprising to have family members or any people disputing these appointed chiefs. Their Majesties bless a candidate presented to them and don’t choose for the families,” he clarified.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
