The traditional leader of uMnini Traditional Authority, Inkosi Inkosi Phathisizwe Luthuli, the traditional leader of uMnini Traditional Authority on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, who was laid to rest last month following a short illness. Inkosi Phathisizwe had led the traditional authority for 38 years. A successful dispute has ensued following his passing.
Image: Independent Newspapers Archives
The succession battle for the Luthuli throne in uMnini, on KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast, is intensifying after two contenders emerged, raising tensions within the community.
This follows the passing of uMnini Traditional Authority leader Inkosi Phathisizwe Luthuli, who was laid to rest last month after his sudden death. The contest for the throne is between the late leader’s brother, Busani Luthuli, and his eldest son, Mazwi Luthuli.
According to a source, Mazwi had already been nominated to succeed his father even before the Inkosi was interred.
“It’s bad. It’s not clear what is happening with the throne since the Inkosi’s passing. What is worrying is that if the matter is not handled properly, it could get out of hand,” said the source.
The source added that the community is on edge, fearing the dispute could escalate into violence if not resolved.
“We don’t know what might happen, but things are not proceeding as they should. It’s worrying.”
Mazwi’s whereabouts have reportedly been unknown since his father’s burial.
“We do not know where he is, but it is clear his disappearance is linked to the succession issue.”
An urgent meeting convened by Msawakhe Luthuli, an induna of Magcino under the uMnini Traditional Authority, is expected to take place on Thursday. He has maintained that his house holds the authority to declare the next Inkosi.
The meeting is set to take place at Magcino in KwaMpokela.
“Even the late Inkosi was declared by KwaMpokela to be the next leader,” said Luthuli.
“It is up to me to decide who will take over the throne,” he added, acknowledging tensions between the late Inkosi’s son and his brother.
The late Inkosi Phathisizwe Luthuli's portrait held aloft during his funeral service last month where King Misuzulu kaZwelithini through Prince Thulani Zulu urged the family to install a new Inkosi without any dispute.
Image: WILLEM PHUNGULA
He indicated that, due to the dispute, he may not select either of the two candidates.
Luthuli stressed that unnecessary tensions must be avoided.
Last month, during the Inkosi’s funeral, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s spokesperson, Prince Thulani Zulu, urged the family to honour the late leader by ensuring a smooth succession process.
Carrying the king’s message, as the monarch does not attend funerals, Prince Thulani called on the family to install a new Inkosi without conflict.
He added that the royal family would be available to mediate should disagreements arise over the successor.
Inkosi Phathisizwe Luthuli died in hospital after collapsing at his home in uMgababa. His traditional authority spanned from uMnini to the uMkhomazi River mouth.
The Luthuli clan was originally settled in eSibubulungu, now known as the Bluff, near Durban harbour. In 1858, the British Crown granted them land, prompting their relocation to uMgababa to support the development and expansion of the harbour. Many members of the clan and their subjects were historically clay artists and fishermen.