A TENSE atmosphere enveloped the Ndiweni homestead in
Ntabazinduna where ousted Chief Nhlanhla Ndiweni lives with the gate locked and
people inside refusing to entertain any visitors.
When Sunday News visited the Ndiweni homestead yesterday, a
man who was manning the gate told the news crew that they did not want anyone
in their homestead and the family was not interested in talking to any
journalists.
He claimed Mr Ndiweni was not around and he was not aware
where he was. “Please go, just go, we don’t want you here, leave us, that is
why we have locked the gate, so don’t trouble us,” said the man throwing his
hands in the air in apparent detestation.
Questioned on whether as a family they were aware of the
Government’s decision to strip Mr Ndiweni of his position, he claimed they did
not recognise it and their chief remained Mr Ndiweni.
“We don’t want to know what the Government said, we don’t
care, our chief remains Chief Ndiweni,” he said.
Sunday News also managed to talk to some villagers on the
matter and there was a largely divided opinion with others backing the
Government’s decision while others felt it had erred in its decision.
“I believe this was a right decision because in line with
Nguni customs he does not qualify to be a chief. He is not the first nor last
born in the family but a middle child. What we know is that if the first son is
not made a chief the last born should then be made the heir. This did not
happen with Ndiweni. Despite having knowledge to his background, we had
accepted him as the chief but I think it’s fair that he has been removed as
this will restore our cultural values,” said a villager who identified himself
as Mr Masuku.
A Mr Sgidi felt Mr Ndiweni was indeed the rightful heir to
the chieftainship revealing that the late Chief Khayisa had made it clear on
who he wanted to succeed him.
“Chief Khayisa was clear on who the rightful heir was. He
gave a number of instructions even regarding on who was to be part of his body
viewing where he said only old people 80 years and above could be part of the
process.
“With regards to the chieftainship he said while he was
meant to give it to his last born son, Douglas that could not happen as Douglas
was married to a coloured woman, Chief Khayisa also dismissed Joram because he
had married a German and what made this even more decisive is that his father
was killed by the Germans hence he had a long-standing grudge, he therefore
directed the elders to give the chieftainship to Felix Nhlanhla,” said Mr
Sgidi.
He said they would rather have a chief from outside rather
than have either Joram or Douglas taking over the chieftainship.
Contacted for comment Mr Ndiweni professed ignorance on the
Government’s decision revealing that no official communication was made to him.
He said he stood guided by a family communique released last Friday, which had
noted that the family continued to recognise him as the chief of the area.
“As was the earlier suspension I have not received any
communication which already reflects clumsiness in the administration process,
however, we have always submitted ourselves to the law and will continue to do
so. We are, contrary to many reports, working very well with the Government,”
said Mr Ndiweni.
Questioned on whether he would be surrendering the various
benefits including the Government issued vehicle as directed Mr Ndiweni said
the benefits were for the community hence the withdrawal of the benefits will
be to the community, not himself.
He further revealed that he was also in communication with
his siblings, Joram and Douglas but noted that the impasse went beyond them as
a family.
“Yes, I am in contact with both Joram and Douglas, who is
currently lodging at a family member’s residence right next to the chief’s
homestead. Sadly, the matter is simply not up to us and due diligence was done
by the relevant people as regards the chieftaincy a long time ago,” said Mr
Ndiweni.
On whether the family would appoint an acting chief while
the matter was being resolved, he said this was not to happen as the family had
already decided that he was the rightful heir to the chieftainship. Sunday News
0 comments:
Post a Comment