By Montsho Matlala
Groblersdal-Two AmaNdebele Kings are likely to join thousands of Mourners and dignitaries at the funeral services of the traditional Leader of Royal Ndebele Council, Ikosi Poni Jafta Mahlangu Maphepha 11 at Nkosini village in Dlawulale outside Groblersdal, Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality tomorrow.
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba will be represented at the funeral service by MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs(CoGHSTA), Basikopo Makamu.
When speaking to the Spokesperson for the Royal Council Mbusi Mahlangu, he confirmed that the Deputy Minister of CoGTA, Dickson Masemola as well as other the government representative are also expected.
“Kings of the Amandebele nation Ngwenyama Mabhoko and Ngwenyama Makhosonke respectively as well as several traditional leaders and mourners from Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Gauteng and the rest of the country will pay their homage to Ndabezitha Maphepha Wesibili ka Somtjhatjhana. Because of the magnitude of the event, mourners are advised to gather at King Ocean Sports ground here at Nkosini village from as early as 6am. Large crowd attended the memorial service here yesterday and we fill honoured,” Mahlangu added.
Makamu and his delegation visited the royal palace on Wednesday to pass condolences.
He advised the royal family to deal with succession issues to the throne with great caution to avoid disputes.
David Tladi, the Mayor of Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality also expressed his condolences:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Ikosi P J Mahlangu (Maphepha 11) Mgwezani of the Ndebele Traditional Council. Ikosi Mahlangu was a revered leader whose dedication to his community and traditional values will be deeply missed,” Tladi said in a statement.
Ndabezitha Maphepha Wesibili who passed away due to natural causes about three weeks ago is revered by his subjects for his passion to preserve the Ndebele culture and language.
“He played an instrumental role in ensuring schools here switch from isiZulu subject to iSiNdebele mother tongue. He also allowed his other subjects who are Sepedi speaking to learn their own language and culture under his authority,” said retired school Teacher John Mohlala.
Ndabezitha Maphepha Wesibili 68 is survived by his wife, 14 children and 20 grandchildren. His other wife passed on a few years back.
