EC Legislature
The Eastern Cape government says it has learned “with shock” of the so-called installation of a Nigerian kingdom within the Rharhabe Kingdom and has rejected it outright.
The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Zolile Williams, said Bhisho distances both the department and the House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders from the alleged installation of a king by foreign nationals.
“Any nefarious attempt to defy and undermine the sovereignty of our country will be met with the full might of the rule of law.
“The act by the Nigerians is an attempt to destabilise and threaten the sovereignty of our country and land ownership.
“We call on the intervention of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and law enforcement agencies to act with immediate effect,” said Williams.
He added that government has well-established official processes to recognise and install traditional and Khoisan leaders in the country, guided by relevant legal frameworks.
The move has also been condemned by the chairperson of the Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, Nkosi Mpumalanga Gwadiso.
He expressed “profound indignation and unequivocal condemnation” following reports of an alleged coronation of a so-called “king” linked to a Nigerian community event in kuGompo, an area that constitutionally and customarily falls under the authority of the amaRharhabe Kingdom, led by King Sandile.
Nkosi Gwadiso reiterated that the recognition, establishment, and functioning of any traditional leadership structure are strictly governed by the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act, which provides clear and non-negotiable procedures for legitimacy and recognition.
“The House is particularly concerned that this reckless conduct carries the potential to inflame tensions and jeopardise social cohesion.
“Traditional leaders in this province and beyond have consistently stood against xenophobia, violence, and division. However, actions of this nature are irresponsible and may provoke avoidable conflict if left unaddressed,” said Gwadiso.
He said the two traditional houses demand the following:
• An immediate and unequivocal public apology from the organisers and all parties involved, as well as the dissolution of this illegitimate and self-styled “kingship”.
• That law enforcement agencies and relevant government authorities investigate the matter without delay and take appropriate legal action in line with South African law.
• That national government take all necessary steps to prevent any recurrence of such actions, including consideration of immigration and legal compliance measures relating to those responsible.
According to Wikipedia, the Rharhabe Kingdom is a prominent Xhosa kingdom in the Eastern Cape, established by Rharhabe ka Phalo, the Right Hand son of King Phalo.
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