The Amampondo nation has appointed Dumelani Sigcau as its acting king, following the passing of King Zanozuko. However, the appointment has been met with controversy, with some questioning the legitimacy of his role. The nation is now at a crossroads, with differing opinions on who should lead the kingdom.
The spokesperson for the Acting King Mbasa Sigcau addressed the controversy surrounding the appointment, stating that the Royal Family is aware of the feud. Mbasa Sigcau challenged those disputing the appointment to take their claims to court and provide documentation to support their assertions. According to the spokesperson, the Royal Family recommended Dumelani’s name after serious consideration, and the Eastern Cape Premier acted on this recommendation. The spokesperson emphasized that the Premier did not select the Acting King, rather acted on the name put forward by the AmaFaku Royal Family.
The spokesperson also addressed the claims of a rightful heir to the throne, stating that many individuals associated with the royal family are now claiming to be the rightful heirs. According to the spokesperson, the recommendation of an acting king was made to neutralize the situation and bring stability to the Amampondo nation. “The Royal Family hopes that the acting king will be able to unite the nation and pave the way for a smooth transition when the time comes to appoint a new king,” said Sigcau.
When asked about the claims of a rightful heir to the throne, the spokesperson acknowledged awareness of the individual in question but declined to disclose reasons why they were not recommended for the throne. He stated that he is not authorized to answer most questions regarding the kingship, including allegations that the rightful heir is being undermined. The spokesperson emphasized that certain information is not within his purview to share.
The spokesperson emphasized that the same royal council that recommended the late Zanozuko as King of the Amampondo nation is the same council that recommended Dumelani as the acting king. He highlighted the consistency in the royal family’s decision-making process, implying that their recommendation of Dumelani is legitimate and in line with their previous actions.
The spokesperson pointed out that the individuals now disputing Dumelani’s appointment as acting king are the same people who were part of the royal council that recommended him. He noted that their signatures are on the documents supporting Dumelani’s appointment, raising questions about what has changed since then. The spokesperson seemed to imply that their current objections are inconsistent with their earlier actions.
The opposing side of the royal family claims that Dumelani’s appointment as acting king is illegitimate, arguing that Dumezweni Sivento Sigcau who is a 40-year-old male is the rightful heir to the throne. They assert that Sivento Sigcau was born in a legitimate marriage between the late king and his wife, a princess, following traditional royal family customs. According to them, the rightful king is alive and being unfairly denied his rightful place on the throne, with his rights being taken away.
The spokesperson for the disgruntled royal family side disputed the reasons given for denying their claimed rightful heir’s accession to the throne. They argued that the claims about the rightful heir not growing up in the Amampondo nation or not having a home are unfair and unjust. The spokesperson pointed out the inconsistency in this reasoning, citing the example of King Misuzulu of the Zulu kingdom, who did not grow up in the Zulu nation. They questioned the double standard being applied to their rightful heir.
The spokesperson alleged that Dumelani’s appointment as acting king is due to his connections with well-known politicians. He claimed that without these connections and meetings with high-ranking officials, Dumelani would not be in his current position. The spokesperson further accused that the real reason behind Dumelani’s appointment is the politicians’ interest in the smart city development project that affects the Amampondo nation, particularly the eastern seaboard area.
Mama Nokuzola Mndende, who was part of the commission that visited the AmaMpondo Royal House, clarified that the commission’s mandate was limited to recommending an acting king, not determining the rightful king. She emphasized that the provincial commission is not authorized to make recommendations for the king, as that decision lies with the national government. According to her, the commission’s role was to conduct findings and recommend an acting king for the province, which is what they did during their visit to Amampondo.
