eNCA Reports:
A week after
former President Nelson Mandela was laid to rest, it appears the family has
resumed fighting.
The
announcement earlier this week that Mandela’s daughter Makaziwe is now in
charge has raised the ire of the AbaThembu Royal House. It says Mandla is the
rightful heir, as per Madiba’s wishes.
According to
the AbaThembu Royal House, Mandela gave his blessings for grandson Mandla to
preside over the family during a traditional ceremony in 2007, and there
shouldn’t be any confusion over who should takeover now that Madiba has passed.
“A decision
was made in 2007 and that decision confirms Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela as
the head of the Mandela house and no one has any authority to revoke that
decision which was made by the late former statesman in consultation with the
royal family,” said the royal family's spokesperson Daludumo Mtirara.
Mtirara said
the roles of both Makaziwe and Mandla are clearly outlined.
“Nkosi
Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela is the head of the Mandela house and no decision
should be taken without his consent. Makaziwe is recognised as one of the aunts
to Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela who are expected to advise him as and when
required,” he said.
At least one
cultural expert said the decision of who takes over rests in the hands of the
family elders.
“It is a
general norm culturally that the eldest son in wedlock assumes the role of
heading the family. If the eldest son is no more it means automatically the
eldest son of the son will assume that responsibility," said cultural
expert Solly Nduku.
Nduku said
it should be noted that the responsibility of heading the family has nothing to
do with Madiba’s estate as that can only be determined by his will. He added
that the family should discuss its issues away from the public.
No comments:
Post a Comment