The Marhelane houses have emerged victorious following the release of findings by the Commission led by Dr. Mndende. This commission was established per a November 2023 High Court order, which mandated the Premier to investigate and determine the Royal Family authorized to appoint an Acting King or Queen for the Mpondo Kingdom. The investigation was conducted under Section 59 and Section 13 of the Traditional and Khoi San Leadership Act, 3 of 2019.
Pince, who claimed to be the rightful Chairpersons of the AmaFaku Royal family, had taken Queen Nobandla Sigcau, Nkosi Jongilanga Sigcau, and Princess Stella Sigcau II to court, asserting their customary right to appoint the Acting King or Queen of the Mpondo Kingdom. This claim was contested by the Houses of King Marhelane, represented by Nkosi Jongilanga Sigcau, Queen Nobandla Sigcau, and Princess Stella Sigcau II. They argued that they held the customary and legal authority to make such appointments, in line with the Traditional Leadership and Khoisan Leadership Act, 3 of 2019.
The Commission concluded that the faction led by Prince Cetywayo was more of a council comprising many minor houses, which were deemed too distant from the ruling house. In contrast, the Commission found that the Marhelane houses were closely aligned with the current generation of the ruling house. Their structure met the Traditional Leadership and Khoisan legislation’s definition of a Royal Family. Consequently, the Commission recommended that the two houses be unified to appoint the Acting King or Queen.
On Sunday, June 30, 2024, the Royal Family convened to discuss the Commission’s findings. It was resolved that a separate meeting would be scheduled to appoint the Acting King or Queen, adhering to customary processes and legislative guidelines and considering the Commission’s recommendations.
The Royal Family’s decision on the Acting King or Queen will be formally communicated through official channels to the relevant authorities for appropriate action and gazetting.
This outcome is pivotal in clarifying the confusion deliberately introduced to distort customs regarding the Kingship and the amaMpondo nation. The Royal Family calls for unity within the Mpondo Kingdom, urging all parties to work together for the Kingdom’s and its people’s greater good.
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