Mfomfo summoned—AGAIN!

NGCULWINI—Chief of  Ngculwini Prince Logcogco Mangaliso’s Inner Council yesterday summoned Mfomfo Nkambule for the second time to explain why he dishonoured a customary advice to tone down his writings.

As a result, Nkhambule was busy last night trying to delete phrases that could be viewed as directly and challenging to the institution of the monarch or those that could perceived as blatant disrespect of His Majesty King Mswati III.

Nkhambule, a former MP, was accompanied by his father Mncene when he appeared before the Inner Council. His father has also appeared for the second time before the council. He, too, was called upon some weeks ago to explain why he let his son write negatively about the king in the Times of Swaziland newspaper under the column Mfomfo on Monday.

The Nkhambules appeared before the council at 2pm yesterday. They were sternly cautioned to toe the line laid down or face consequences. Governor of the area Jan Mngomezulu chaired the meeting.

When the Times SUNDAY called Nkhambule last night, he was too distressed and adamantly declined to divulge deliberations of the meeting other than to say it was tough for him and his father. He said his spirit was down because it appeared to him that the situation was getting worse.

"I thought they would sit back and learn from my writings, but these people demonstrated to me and my father that they were prepared to fight on until they win the battle," said the former legislator.

Nkhambule served two consecutive terms in parliament. In his first term he was appointed by the king. It was the people of Mntfongwaneni who ensured he had a second run in parliament.

"I have tried to tone down my writings for Monday (tomorrow) because it’s tough for me," he said. He said yesterday’s meeting taught him a lesson and made him know where the country was heading.

"I can’t divulge what we were talking about. I am just down and my spirit is not OK because of what they said to me and my father," he said.

Prince Logcogco Mangaliso said he had not received a report from his Inner Council. He said he was yet to be briefed on the matter. He, however, pointed out that he could not attend the meeting because an "elephant cannot fight against an ant."

The prince is also the chairman of the advisory committee to His Majesty King Mswati III known as Liqoqo.