Celani Sikhakhane
A KZN woman has been in a dispute with her brother for more than a decade over the chieftaincy – but she is not backing down.
Thembi Maphumulo from Mbumbulu, South of Durban told Scrolla.Africa that she is the rightful person to be the chief of the Maphumulo clan and not her brother, Nathi Maphumulo.
When the matter was taken to the Durban High Court in 2016 she was dismissed. This month her fight over the chieftaincy was dismissed by the Constitutional Court.
“I am the one who is the chief of the Maphumulo clan. Even the late King Zwelithini knew that. I have no reason to doubt myself,” she said.
“Ubukhosi is not a commodity and no one can use money to get it. In 1995 I was installed traditionally so I am the chief of this clan.”
She believes that her brother was misled by the husband of a KZN MEC to challenge her appointment.
“But I’m the one to be called Inkosi yesizwe. My brother knows that very well. I’m the daughter of Inkosi Lubheleni, Masikane, Dubandlela, Mashimane, Mangcingci and Jeqe. All their graves are here at my home,” she said.
Her brother Nathi Maphumulo said he feels vindicated by the Constitutional Court ruling.
“She was dismissed by the highest court in the land, so I’m the right person to be in this position. I didn’t appoint myself but the family took the decision to appoint me. One thing I need is to get church leaders or any one to assist with the reconciliation,” said Maphumulo.
He said they haven’t met with his sister after the Constitutional ruling.
