The Gcaleka Royal House in the Eastern Cape says it will challenge the recognition of King Ahlangene Vulikhaya Sigcawu as AmaXhosa King by President Cyril Ramaphosa in court.
King Ahlangene succeeded the late caretaker Xhosa King Nongudle Dumehleli Mapasa in 2020. King Dumehleli Mapasa was acting in the position following the death of King Zwelonke Sigcawu.
The Gcaleka house maintains that the laws of succession were violated in the succession to the throne of Ahlangene Vulikhaya Sigcawu as the King of the Xhosa nation.
The Gcaleka house says it does not recognize King Ahlangene Vulikhaya. It argues that the current King does not come from a lineage that is in line for succession.
Chairperson of the Gcaleka royal house Daliwonga Mgwebi says, “It has never been done before where you go direct or at any stage where the right-hand house gives us a person…even if that had to be done, there is a practice and a process that needs to be followed according to customs which means whoever is being identified needs to be confirmed with the bigger family and conformed with the great house then we are expected to inform the Rharhabev house…all that was not observed.”
The house is also blaming government for this dilemma. “The Eastern Cape government – when they realised the mistake of not listening to us, they did give us an ear… so we taking to court the Eastern Cape government, minister for COGTA, the President, all that we want is for the court to set aside the decision so that we can do what is expected of us,” Mgwebi adds.
Prince Ndabele Mtoto, the Spokesperson for King Ahlangene Vulikhaya Sigcawu says “All proper processes were followed. There was no flaunting of the processes. All cultural and important rituals were adhered to. The cultural and customary laws were observed. There is nothing wrong done, be the president to recognize our king.”
The Gcaleka Royal house says all negotiations to resolve this matter internally deadlocked hence the decision to take the legal route.
Attempts to get a comment from the presidency has drawn a blank.
VIDEO: Cracks are showing in the AmaXhosa Royal Kingdom in Eastern Cape
