By Celani Sikhakhane
- AfriForum wants Premier Thami Ntuli to intervene in the Mpungose Traditional Community in Nkandla after two headmen were removed by the chief.
- Barend Uys of AfriForum says the conflict threatens stability of Zulu communities and that improper interference weakens traditional leadership structures in the area.
AfriForum has asked KZN Premier Thami Ntuli to step in and resolve tensions in the Mpungose Traditional Community in Nkandla.
The tensions started after a chief removed two headmen in the community.
AfriForum formally requested the Premier to intervene urgently to resolve the crisis and protect the safety of traditional leaders and their communities.
Barend Uys is head of Intercultural Relations and Cooperation at AfriForum. He said improper interference weakens traditional leadership structures and negatively impacts grassroots communities.
“AfriForum has maintained a relationship with the Mpungose Traditional Community specifically in Nkungumathe since 2017, initially assisting them with obtaining a court order for the construction of the Kuba Secondary School,” Uys said.
AfriForum said the conflict threatens the stability of the Zulu communities in the area.
The Mpungose tribe has experienced internal conflicts over leadership before. In 1935, Inkosi Siposo Mpungose faced opposition from his half-brother, Mkhuluzi Mpungose.
Mkhuluzi led a movement to undermine the chief’s authority and oust him from the chieftainship.
The conflict stemmed from a refusal by some family members to accept government-appointed leadership. They wanted to challenge the legitimacy of the acting chief.
Colonial government officials and native commissioners were involved in mediating these disputes. This was typical of the era where traditional leadership structures were influenced by colonial authorities.
Pictured above: Barend Uys of AfriForum.
Image source: AfriForum
