Celani Sikhakhane
Princess Thandi Ndlovu, dubbed the Zulu Royal Rebel Aunt, has launched yet another attempt to undermine the authority of Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
In a bid to win the support of thousands of Amabutho kaZulu, Princess Thandi made it clear she does not endorse His Majesty’s decision to expel Mgilija KaZihogo zeLanga Nhleko, the former leader of Amabutho.
In a statement released to mourn the death of Nhleko, whose real name is Mlandeni Ronald Nhleko, the princess said Nhleko was never expelled from his position.
She said no king has been appointed so far, meaning no one had a right to expel him since he was appointed to this position by the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu many years ago.
“Nhleko never turned his back against the royal family even after the passing of King Zwelithini. He continued to serve as the leader of the regiment until he took his last breath,” she said in a statement.
“His successor will be appointed by the next king who will officially ascend to the throne once the family has completed all the internal processes.”
She also warned that they wouldn’t allow any opportunists to impose themselves as the new leaders of Amabutho while the royal family was still deciding who would be the rightful heir to the throne.
King Misuzulu expelled Nhleko in July after he led amabutho to Nkandla to pledge their support to former president Jacob Zuma – without approval from the king.
Nhleko was affectionately known as “Mgilija” which originated from his clan name Mgilitsha.
He is expected to be buried on Saturday at Hlalangwenya area in KwaNongoma.
His political parties, the NFP and Injeje yabeNguni, has been calling for Premier Sihle Zikalala to give his burial the status of a Provincial State Funeral but the government has not responded.
