The AmaMpondo Kingdom is embroiled in a heated dispute over its leadership, with three factions emerging with different claimants to the throne. Recently, the Marhelane house appointed the late King Zanozuko’s son, Yolisa Sigcau as their king, while the Faku Royal Family had previously appointed Dumelani Sigcau as their acting king, recognized by the Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane.
In an interview with Prince Siphelele Faku from Marhelane house, he is criticizing the political influence in the kingdom’s affairs, arguing that it undermines the traditional leadership’s ability to address its problems. They claim that political interests are driving the decision-making process, rather than the rightful channels. Prince Faku expressed frustration with the political interference in the AmaMpondo Kingdom’s affairs. “We wish politicians could leave us alone and allow us to resolve this dispute as the rightful stakeholders,” he said. He emphasized the need for space to make decisions without external influence, stating that political backing is often driven by self-interest rather than the kingdom’s well-being.
Prince Faku who is representing the newly appointed king Yolisa, expressed concerns about external influences dividing the AmaMpondo Kingdom. He attributed the divisions to wealthy individuals and businesspeople eyeing the Eastern Seaboard Development, which will significantly impact the kingdom’s land. According to the Prince, these external interests are fueling claims to the throne, with individuals seeking to benefit from the development.
The Prince called for unity within the kingdom, urging the AmaMpondo people to be cautious of political and business interference. “The government will always be there, but allowing politicians and businesspeople to dictate the kingdom’s matters will destroy it”, he said. He emphasized the need for the kingdom to unite and navigate the challenges posed by the development. The Prince emphasized that any development, including the Eastern Seaboard Development, should benefit the entire AmaMpondo Kingdom, not just a selected few. He stressed the need for a King who prioritizes the kingdom’s best interests, rather than personal gain or family benefits.
According to the Prince, the ideal King would establish a constitution or institution that ensures fairness and benefits for all AmaMpondo people. This approach would safeguard the kingdom’s interests and promote collective prosperity. Eastern Seaboard Development on the kingdom’s stability. According to the Prince, the development plan is exacerbating the dispute, as individuals with political connections are seeking to benefit from it by claiming the throne.
The Prince emphasized that any development, including the Eastern Seaboard Development, should benefit the entire AmaMpondo Kingdom, not just a select few. He stressed the need for a king who prioritizes the kingdom’s best interests, rather than personal gain or family benefits. According to the prince, the ideal king would establish a constitution or institution that ensures fairness and benefits for all AmaMpondo people. This approach would safeguard the kingdom’s interests and promote collective prosperity.
Recently, the AmaMpondo royal family from the Marhelane house gathered at one of the king’s great places and appointed the late King Zanozuko’s son as their new king. King Zanozuko passed away in 2022, and the kingdom has been without a ruler for an extended period.
The prince explained that the succession dispute had been ongoing, with court battles and family divisions. The royal family ultimately decided to take matters into their own hands to restore stability and appoint a new king. “The king chosen by the family and introduced to the kingdom, South Africa, and the African continent at large is none other than the late king’s son,” the Prince said.
He explained that the decision to appoint a king was reached after extensive gatherings and meetings, where they initially considered having an acting king. Regarding the Eastern Cape Premier’s recognition of Dumelani as acting king, the prince clarified that in 2022, after King Zanozuko’s passing, there were discussions within the family about potential candidates for the role. Some members felt that Dumelani should be the acting king, while others suggested the late king’s mother could take on the role,” the prince said. “After submitting these names to the president’s office, the mother later wrote a letter declining her potential candidacy.
In 2023, a court ruling favored the Zanozuko house, stating that they are the legitimate authority to appoint the king. Following this, the Eastern Cape Premier appointed a commission led by Professor Nuxola Mdende to investigate the dispute between the Magelane house and the faction claiming to be the Amafagu Royal Family. The commission’s findings, released last year in June, concluded that the Magelane house is eligible to appoint the king or acting king. The commission also determined that the faction calling themselves the Amafagu Royal Family does not constitute the rightful royal family and therefore lacks the authority to appoint a king or acting king.
Despite the commission’s findings and the court dismissing their case twice at the Mthatha High Court, the Eastern Cape Premier surprisingly recognized Dumelani as the acting king, affiliated with the Amafagu royal family. This decision contradicts the commission’s recommendations. “In response, we submitted objection letters, arguing that the premier lacks the authority to recognize Dumelani as the acting king, given the royal family’s composition and the commission’s findings.
Meanwhile the spokesperson for the 40-year-old claimant Sivento Sigcau, who wished to remain anonymous, shared insights into their side’s perspective. Claiming that even the late King Zanozuko did not have the right to the throne, he undermined the rightful heir to the throne which is Sivento Sigcau. He further pleaded to all political parties and all other nations to please intervene, also citing the disappointment on Mabuyane’s decision to recognize Dumelani Sigcau. “The premier is undermining us simple because we are the Mpondo tribe, if it was another nation he would never do this,” He said.
