NDEBELE KINGDOM — The Inner Royal Family of the Ndebele Kingdom has confirmed Ingwenyama Mkhutjhwa II as the rightful successor to the late King Makhosonke II and revoked previous mandates allowing individuals to represent the kingdom.
Speaking to the Highveld Chronicle, newly elected Royal House Chairperson Sipho Sibindi Mabena confirmed the family's position on the succession.
"The Inner Royal Family explicitly confirms that in strict accordance with the official genealogy and the binding succession documentation fully executed and signed by both the Royal Family and the late King Makhosoke II prior to his untimely passing, Ingwenyama Mkhutjhwa II has been formally appointed as the rightful successor to the throne," he said.
According to a statement seen by the publication, the succession document was handed over to the President of the Republic and the Minister of CoGTA before the late King's death.
The kingdom is now awaiting a formal administrative pronouncement by the President.
Mabena also confirmed that the Inner Royal Family had revoked previous mandates granted to individuals representing the kingdom.
"All previous project mandates, facilitation powers, and representative authorities granted to these individuals are hereby suspended and revoked with immediate effect. These individuals no longer hold the authority to negotiate, interface, or report to any government structures, forums, or external entities on behalf of the Ndebele Kingdom."
The royal family said it did not recognise individuals who bypassed the Inner Royal Family and the appointed king in matters concerning the kingdom.
It further stated that "Reporting to or taking instructions from the Princess (the first daughter of the late King) and other individuals regarding kingdom governance, state projects, or representation at the Kings' Forum is unlawful and completely unrecognized by the customs, traditions, and official structures of the AmaNdebele."
The family warned that correspondence issued by unauthorised individuals would not carry the kingdom's mandate.
"The Kingdom will not be held bound by any agreements, negotiations, or commitments made by these individuals during this unauthorized period," the statement read.
The royal family members listed as responsible for appointing the king are Petrus Mabena, Makari Peter Mabena, Levy Mabena, Abel Mabena, Maria Mabena Mnguni, who has resigned, and Jappie Mabena.
The family also appointed an interim leadership structure comprising Sipho Sibindi Mabena as chairperson, Godfrey Mabena as secretary and Gambani Mabena as spokesperson.
