Xhosa king under fire for criticising local leader

Sandiso Phaliso

Two months after a royal spat over who is king of one of three Xhosa tribes – the AmaGcaleka – when King Zwelonke Sigcawu rubbished King Michael Fadana’s claim to rule over the AmaGcaleka in the Western Cape, Fadana’s leadership has again been questioned.

During a meeting in Nyanga’s KTC community hall on Sunday, AbaThembu King Dalubuhle Mnqanqeni said Fadana’s claim to kingship was illegitimate and Sigcawu was king of all AmaGcaleka in South Africa.

The uncertainties come ahead of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa) executive committee elections to be held in line with the Nhlapho Commission recommendations.

The Nhlapho Commission was appointed by former president Thabo Mbeki in 2003 to clarify the structures of the royal houses. The Contralesa elections are expected to occur before June 2010.

At Sunday’s meeting, attended by over 100 people, who aimed to communicate correct traditional practices to Xhosa people, Mnqanqeni urged those attending not to listen to or follow Fadana, as he was an impersonator.

But numerous speakers at the meeting stood up to criticise Mnqanqeni for not recognising Fadana as king of the AmaGcaleka in the province.

Speakers said they would continue listening to Fadana because he had promised to ensure services were delivered to them.

The speakers from the floor said Fadana was their king in the Western Cape and when they went to the Eastern Cape they recognised the kingship of Mnqanqeni or Sigcawu, depending on which tribe they belonged to.

Resident Nkosekhaya Khunjulwa (54) told Mnqanqeni that people in the Western Cape would follow Fadana because he was always there to listen to their problems and address the challenges they faced.

Another resident, Vusumzi Madolo (46), said Fadana had promised them land and intervened in cultural disputes amongst families or neighbours.

Madolo said he had once been helped by Fadana when his teenage daughter was impregnated and the family of the boy did not want to pay up.

He said after explaining his problem to Fadana, Fadana elected representatives to go to boy’s home to negotiate with the family.

“My family and that of the boy are in good terms now because of him (Fadana). He is here when we need him most and you (Mnqanqeni) are not here.”

The residents accused Mnqanqeni of trying to win votes ahead of the Contralesa election.

Asked in the meeting if he had spoken privately to Fadana before speaking to the people, and if so, what was Fadana’s response, Mnqanqeni said it was up to Sigcawu to speak to Fadana, because Fadana was not claiming kingship of the AbaThembu, but of the AmaGcaleka tribe.

Contacted for comment, Fadana reiterated that he was king in the Western Cape, “no matter who says what”.

Fadana asked why Dalubuhle has not called him when visited Nyanga. – West Cape News