By Celani Sikhakhane
- King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo plans a huge celebration with six cattle to welcome his son back from initiation school.
- The King is expected to hand over the throne to Prince Sinethemba after he graduates from traditional initiation.
The AbaThembu nation is preparing for a big royal party as Prince Sinethemba returns from his month-long traditional initiation into manhood.
The celebration at Bumbane Great Palace in Mthatha on Friday, 20 December, will mark the prince’s transformation from boyhood to manhood after spending time in the mountains since 23 November.
Guests have been asked to wear traditional dress – “isinxibo sakwantu” – for the umgidi ceremony, which will host politicians, business leaders and other royals.
A royal family member, who cannot be named, told Scrolla.Africa that representatives from King Sabatha Dalindyebo have already brought gifts to the palace.
“As we speak the KSD ANC Sub-Region is here at the palace to meet the King and they brought several gifts. About six cows so far have been prepared to be slaughtered on Friday,” the family member said.
The celebration could mark a big change for the AbaThembu nation. King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo is expected to announce he will step down and hand the throne to Prince Sinethemba.
The King told the Daily Dispatch he doesn’t want to stay on the throne until death like Britain’s Queen Elizabeth. He wants his son, who has now completed the ulwaluko (traditional initiation), to take over as king.
Prince Sinethemba is one of thousands of young men graduating from initiation schools this month after completing their traditional journey to manhood.
Pictured above: King of the AbaThembu nation.
Source: File
