Zulu Royal House accepts Mkhwanazi clan’s atonement after leadership row
The Mkhwanazis entering the eMashobeni Royal Palace in Phongolo, northern KwaZulu-Natal, to begin reconciliation talks with the Zulu Royal House.
Image: Supplied
In a significant move toward reconciliation, the Mkhwanazi clan has formally humbled itself before the Zulu Royal House, apologising for the heated dispute that erupted last year over royal appointments.
The tension originated from the appointment of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s overseer in the Mkhwanazi area on the North Coast. On Monday, a delegation led by Inkosi Ntokozo Mkhwanazi traveled to the eMashobeni Royal Palace in Phongolo to express deep regret over their handling of the matter.
The traditional prime minister of the Mkhwanazis, Ntuthuko Mkhwanazi, admitted during the visit that the clan had overreacted during the initial disagreement.
"We admit that we overreacted," Mkhwanazi stated. "We should not have allowed things to escalate, regardless of how aggrieved we felt. There is nobody in KwaZulu who matches the stature of the Zulu King; therefore, we should not have spoken in that manner."
He further noted that the clan realised they should have approached the monarch with calmness and traditional protocol from the start. "After internal deliberations, the Inkosi gathered us and directed us to come here. Bayede, we are here to humble ourselves because this is home."
The Zulu Royal House, represented by Prince Thulani kaGqikazi Zulu, welcomed the gesture. The Prince noted that the disparaging remarks previously directed at the King from the clan’s headquarters in KwaMpukunyoni had caused significant distress.
The leader of the Mkhwanazi Traditional Authority Inkosi Ntokozo Mkhwanazi on the left, in discussions with Prince Thulani kaGqikazi Zulu at the eMashobeni Royal Palace in Phongolo, northern KwaZulu-Natal on Monday, with an aim of reconciling the Mkhwanazis and the Zulu monarchy.
Image: Supplied
"They were not supposed to show such disrespect, as it did not sit well with the Royal House," Prince Thulani remarked. However, he confirmed the apology was accepted, noting that the King understands that "every family has its moments of dissent."
As a traditional sign of remorse and atonement, the Mkhwanazi delegation presented four heads of livestock to the Royal House.
The Mkhwanazi leadership expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting, marking an end to the friction and a restoration of the long-standing bond between the clan and the Zulu Monarchy.
"We are glad that we were able to resolve what we came for today. This means a lot to us as the Mkhwanazis," the clan spokesperson concluded.