- Villagers accuse Induna Godlokwakhe Thusi of charging thousands for burials, weddings, and land use, calling the fees unfair.
- Residents demanded to raise concerns with Inkosi Mabhudu Tembe but were refused, leading to a mass walkout.
A community meeting in kwaNgwanase turned into a humiliation for maskandi star Mafikizolo when villagers walked out, leaving him with no audience.
Residents had gathered at the hall on 16 September to meet traditional leader Inkosi Mabhudu Israel Tembe. They hoped to raise concerns about fees charged by his headman, Induna Godlokwakhe Thusi.
But when Tembe refused to hear them, the villagers stood up and left. Mafikizolo, who was hired to perform, was left singing to empty chairs.
Residents accuse Thusi of charging them thousands of rands for funerals, weddings, lobola and even land stands. They say it is unfair as most people are unemployed.
Retired teacher Baba Mathenjwa said he was charged R5,500 when he took over his late brother’s household.
Thusi defended the fees, saying they were agreed to by the kwaTembe community to stop foreigners from Mozambique settling in the village. He also requires every family to keep a file with members’ names in his office, which is checked before burials are allowed.
“You know what, this village is big and popular, like Soweto. We get many people from outside, including from Mozambique,” said Thusi.
But angry residents said the charges are crushing them and demanded change.
Pictured above: Mafikizolo.
Image source: Facebook
