Africa-Press – Eswatini. Those who were in power at KoNtshingila, including others who acted before the endorsement of the new leader Chief Bhozongo Simelane, have been advised to away from the throne.
The ruling Simelane clan of KoNtshingila have also been reminded that they presented Chief Bhozongo (then Sikelela Simelane) to the highest authorities of the land as the ideal candidate to assume leadership in the area to succeed his father, Chief Mabonya, and that that decision was irreversible as per the dictates of Eswatini law and customs.
This was the message delivered by new Indvuna of KoNtshingila Bheki Maphalala when addressing the throngs of residents during his unveiling on Saturday at Ekuhlaleni Royal Kraal, the new Umphakatsi for Bhozongo.
Without mentioning names, Maphalala told the residents that it was disturbing to learn that there were those in the ruling Simelane household who were still keen to call the shots even when they were aware that there was someone in the throne and it was someone they had identified as the deserving one to assume the role of chief.
Inkhosatana Gelane acted for years as chief of KoNtshingila. Gelane is the aunt to Chief Bhozongo and it is also on record that the two of late have not been seeing eye to eye and at one stage, she reportedly raised concern that her brother’s son was no longer respecting her despite having been instrumental in his installation as chief.
tasked
Maphalala who is also the country’s chief justice (CJ) told the close to 300 residents that he was aware of the huge task given to him. He said he was not completely new in this role as he was once Indvuna for the mini chiefdom at Mbangweni (near Lawuba). He said he was feeling sorry for himself for being tasked with this role which was no child’s play.
“Kutikhalela nje umsebenti lomkhulu kangaka lesengitfweswe wona,” he said, which loosely means that this was a huge task given to him.
Maphalala said he was once called to KaGwegwe while at Lawuba during one of the challenges facing the leadership. He said it was during tough times and some of the princes and princesses of the clan (Bantfwabenkhosi BaKoNtshingila) could not stand the heat and they fled.
“The majority of Bantfwabenkhosi ran away as things boiled up. I am reminded of that episode today as I stand in front of you. My request to the Simelanes is that there should be no squabble but I preach peace and let’s focus on working hard and together for the betterment of this great community. Let us remain united in building KoNtshingila,” said Maphalala.
support
Turning to the chief seated close to him, Maphalala said he was looking forward to seeing him enjoy a memorable and cheerful leadership and given all the support by the community and all the members of the ruling household.
“Of importance is that let those in the clan who handed you the instruments of being the leader give you space to breathe and allow you to lead this great community your own way,” said the indvuna in his maiden speech.
He called on the community to allow him the opportunity to be in control, instead of being dictated to on how he should rule.
“They are no longer expected to tell you how you should do things or what you should do and what you should not do. It’s no longer the time for them to tell you they are your aunts or uncles but what they should know is that their place is now far away from your throne and are better when they are far away from you now,” said Maphalala.
Maphalala said Chief Bhozongo should be allowed to introduce his own philosophy and not allow those who wanted him to rule using their own philosophy of leadership.
“Keep them a distance away from you as their time to tell you what to do and what not to do is up. Their right place is far away from you as they have done what was expected. Let them make you feel you are in control as leader of KoNtshingila and correctly handed you the instruments to lead,” said Maphalala.
Maphalala advised the ruling clan that it was only when Bhozongo had seen the need to consult with them where they were to be needed to come close to him.
“The chief is to call them (Bantfwabenkhosi) when he needs them to assist him on something. What they should however not do, is stand on his way and should not overshadow him as a leader. Bantfwabenkhosi should allow him to have a feel of being a leader and not to be their robot,” said Maphalala.
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