Phongola – His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini performed the Ukuthela Amanzi custom with five amakhosi from various clans in KwaZulu-Natal.
This ceremony is part of the installation process for an Inkosi. The event took place at the Emashobeni Royal Palace in uPhongolo on Friday.
Ukuthela Amanzi custom is mandatory, as prescribed by the KwaZulu-Natal Traditional Leadership and Governance Act. It must be performed by the King with an Inkosi before the Inkosi’s official installation.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, attended the ceremony. The event drew many regiments and maidens who accompanied amakhosi.
Amakhosi who participated in the Ceremony were:
• iNkosi MM Dube of the Dube Traditional Community in the King Cetshwayo District
• iNkosi PMT Mathaba of the Macambini Traditional Community in the iLembe District
• iNkosi SB Lushaba of the Lushaba Traditional Community in the Ugu District
• iNkosi NI Zikhali of the Mbila Traditional Community in the uMkhanyakude District
• iNkosi BM Mkhize of the Isimahla Traditional Community in the eThekwini District
Addressing amakhosi, His Majesty the King offered his blessings as they prepared to take on the responsibilities of ubukhosi. He congratulated them on reaching this stage, noting that succession often faces prolonged disputes. He urged them to look after their communities and avoid lavish lifestyles while their people experience hardship.
MEC Buthelezi explained the custom’s significance, as outlined in Section 18 of the KZN Traditional Leadership and Governance Act. He described it as both a cleansing and verification process, ensuring the legitimacy of an Inkosi before official installation by the King.
MEC Buthelezi stated, “We are here on behalf of the Provincial Government to support His Majesty in executing this task. This custom is prescribed in national legislation. It ensures that amakhosi are formally introduced to the Royal House, and no Inkosi can be officially installed without undergoing this process.
As the Department, we appreciate His Majesty, for prioritising Ukuthela Amanzi since ascending to the throne. To date, 17 amakhosi have undergone this process, marking significant milestone in a step to strengthen the Institution of Traditional Leadership.”
He further remarked that Ukuthela Amanzi is a day for reflection and celebrating Zulu customs and heritage.
As a gesture of gratitude, amakhosi presented gifts to the King, including cattle and goats. They expressed their appreciation to His Majesty as they formally accepted the responsibilities of leading their respective communities.
iNkosi Siphamandla Mathaba of the Macambini Traditional Council in Mandeni expressed feeling cleansed and honoured after performing the custom, noting it was the first time such a ceremony had been undertaken in the Mathaba lineage.
iNkosi Sithembiso Lushaba of the Lushaba Traditional Council stated the custom would strengthen the relationship between the Lushaba clan and the Royal House.
Ends