Durban High Court intervenes at Mbonambi
The succession issue has a long and bitter history
AN attempt to topple the leadership of the Mbonambi Traditional Council failed in the Durban High Court last week.
Mkhanyiseni Mbuyazi and his lawyers were attempting to suspend Thembelihle Mbuyazi (widow of the late Sibusiso Mbuyazi), Thembelihle Mbuyazi, Meshack Mbuyazi, Lulama Cele, Sizwe Mthiyane and Bongani Mbuyazi from being part of the council.
While the matter was still within the courts, on Tuesday 11 October Mkhanyiseni Mbuyazi’s attorneys reportedly convened a council meeting with the intention of introducing Mkhanyiseni Mbuyazi as Inkosi of the Mbonambi community, without consultation with Cogta.
Cogta Spokesperson Lennox Mabaso said his department is not in a position to comment on the matter, because they are still waiting for more information from the family members, before talking to the affected parties.
Bitter history
The succession issue has a long and bitter history.
The state of affairs began as early as 2005 with the passing of Inkosi Mtholeni Mbuyazi, who had not named a successor.
Inkosi Mtholeni Mbuyazi died intestate and his role was assumed after the appointment of his eldest son, Sibusiso.
However, this was contested as being not a unanimous decision of the people and his younger brother, Mkhanyiseni was given the position following intervention by Cogta.
Sibusiso then declared a dispute through the Pietermaritzburg High Court and after a long period a court order was issued withdrawing both sons from the Inkosi position and advising the royal family to assist Cogta in resolving the matter.
Although Sibusiso passed away during the protracted legal wrangling, Cogta in 2012 determined that Hlonipile Mbonambi, wife of the late Inkosi Mtholeni Mbuyazi, would handle administrative duties on behalf of the Mbonambi community until such time as a successor was appointed.
Hlonipile would therefore only act as community representative, discharging duties – such as instructing indunas, liaising with businesses and effecting service delivery – until the legal successor is appointed through the courts.
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