New Ndiweni chief appointed

SOME members of the Ndiweni family yesterday celebrated the appointment of Nhlanhlayamangwe Felix Kayisa as substantive chief of Ntabazinduna by government following a traditional ceremony to anoint him the previous day.

According to a statement by the family, the High Court on Thursday gave the green light for the Ndiwenis to hold the ceremony as they insisted they were not installing the chief.

The family explained that anointing a chief was a traditional ceremony to recognise a chief, different from an installation that is presided over by a government official.

The event, held next to the late Chief Kayisa Ndiweni's house in Ntabazinduna, was attended by hundreds of people including by Amangwe King Ntshosho the second from Kwa Zulu Natal in South Africa, Zapu president Dumiso Dabengwa, former Bulawayo Mayor Japhet Ndabeni Ncube, members of the Khumalo royal clan led by Prince Peter Zwidekalanga Khumalo, local chiefs Bhidi, Mpini and Wasi among others.

There was no government official at the ceremony.

"The application to stop the celebrations had been made by Douglas Ndiweni one of the late chief's sons. It was also supported by Joram Ndiweni, 70 years of age who has been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 40 years," read the statement.

"His only visit to Ntabazinduna during this period was some 20 years ago and only for two weeks."

The family said of the late chief's sons Joram is the eldest followed by Nhlanhla then Douglas and lastly Ian Zulu Ndiweni.

Joram, Douglas (who lives a few metres from where the ceremony was held) and Ian did not attend the function but the rest of the siblings were in attendance.

The family said in keeping with their clan's customs, practices and norms, they on Thursday afternoon, completed their traditional and cultural ceremony of anointing Nhlanhlayamangwe as substantive Chief of Ntabazinduna after his recent appointment by government.

"Present and in accordance with this ceremony were the immediate and extended family, Chief Mpini and their guest His Royal Highness Ntshosho the second, traditional head of the Amangwe clan. It is hoped that the celebrations of today, (yesterday) will mark the new beginning for the family and indeed the people of Ntabazinduna," read the statement.

King Ntshosho said he was in the country to witness the ceremony which he described as a success.

"Since we are presenting a new chief, let us respect him. Let us respect and work together for development," said the king.

"If you are here and you are sad, I hope it is because you are hungry and not because of what is happening here because we are doing God's wish and not anyone's.

"There is no other like this one that we were given by God. If you had your rooster that you thought would get in then let it fly. Accept what is happening here. If you don't, you will remain like a bag left in the bus stop."

Nhlanhlayamangwe pledged to work with the people for the development of the community.

"We are starting a new thing today. I bring myself to you, I am your worker so demand that I work, I am your messenger, send me. There shall not be any wrangles," said the anointed chief.

Wilson Bancinyane Ndiweni told Chronicle the family would await a date from government for the official installation.

"This was just a blessing.  It was a cultural ceremony by the family and King Ntshosho was here to bless it," he said.

Joram filed an urgent chamber application on Wednesday through his lawyer Sindiso Mazibisa seeking an order stopping the installation of Nhlanhlayamangwe yesterday as substantive chief on the he grounds that he (Joram) was the lawful heir to the throne.

Joram, who is based in the United Kingdom, filed an urgent application at the High Court seeking an order stopping the installation pending determination by the courts on the main matter on who should be substantive chief.

Nhlanhlayamangwe has, through his lawyer, Stephen Collier of Webb Low and Barry, entered an appearance to defend the action by his brother to block him from taking over the reins.