Is Sikelela the one?

MBABANE—Is this the man waiting in line to become the next traditional leader of Kontshingila?

The question stems from the majestic treatment he has been getting at a chief’s kraal located in a rural setting just outside Mbabane. Above that, he is a son of the late Chief Mabonya Simelane. Chief Mabonya is the last legitimate chief of Kontshingila. 

The Times SUNDAY has it in authority that for some time, Sikelela Simelane has been living at a homestead situated in one of the chiefdoms neigh-bouring Mbabane.
He lives there on the special request of a faction of the Simelane clan and under the care of a powerful male legislator who has strong links in Swaziland’s traditional elite, and is the son of a princess.

The name of the chiefdom is known to this publication, but is withheld due to safety considerations.
Sikelela attends meetings at the local chief’s kraal as umnftwanenkhosi waKontshingila.
He confirmed on Friday—amid contr-oversy over a chieftaincy row at Kontshingila—that he is from the controversial area. He, however, was coy on the alleged special salutations used by locals when acknowledging his presence in community meetings.

“I just go there to listen to proc-eedings just like any other community member (ngiya nje kuyotsamela libandla njengawo wonkhe umuntfu wemmango). They don’t consider me an important person,” he said.
However, locals confirmed that he is known to be a special figure from the Shiselweni Region. Sikelela refused to entertain further questions relating to his family ties and allegations to the effect that he is being prepared for a senior traditional position.
“Nothing was said to me. As far as I am concerned, that matter is being handled by Ludzidzini authorities. Maybe they may have the answers to your questions,” he said.

He added that he knew Senate Presi-dent Gelane Zwane, but denied that they are in constant contact.
The acting Chief of Kontshingila, Gelane Simelane could not be reached for comment as her phone was on voicemail mode when called several times, the last being last night. Three calls were made to her phone at 5.30pm, 6.10pm and at 9.15pm. The efforts were made against Simelane’s insistence last week that she would not entertain journalists from the Times.

However, Chief Ntabankulu Simelane (of Hhohho), who is among the senior figures of the Simelane clan, confirmed the existence of Sikelela and that “his issue was last discussed last year”.
Chief Ntabankulu, however, humbly requested to omit certain information regarding Sikelela’s role in the clan’s affairs as he was yet to meet some family members.
“Ngitfole umbiko wekutsi bantfwana bayeta kutongibona kusasa sitewuk-huluma tindzaba taKontshingila (loosely translated: I’ve been informed that the Simelanes are coming to see me tomorrow (today) for discussions on Kontshingila affairs)

“At the moment, there is nothing substantial I can say. However, they will brief me on their next move so that I can make a contribution, as I represent a house that also makes contributions on important matters affecting the chiefdom,” said the chief in his usual cool tone. He would not specifically state the names of the Simelanes who would meet him today.  Meanwhile, he also confi-rmed that Sikela is the son of the late Chief Mabonya.
According to traditionalist and Times SUNDAY columnist, Prince Mfanasibili: “I think it is important to explain here as to who contends for chieftainship in Swaziland. The contention of the chieftainship to the throne is amongst the sons of the late chief of the area only. Anybody else other than those does not qualify to contend,” he writes in his column (see page 21).

Times SUNDAY sources said some authorities in the Shislweni Regional Administration are aware of the existence of Sikelela, as well as the plans for a special assignment at KaGondloza.
However, Shiselweni Regional Administrator Paul Dlamini dismissed the allegations. He said his office only comes in on such matters once the King has appointed the rightful chief.

“I do not know anything about the man you are talking about. That is an issue for Ludzidzini authorities. The Simelanes can only come to me with a letter from the King, confirming the appointment of a chief. However, as Swazis they can come for advice when they have problems,” he said.
Dlamini said he got involved in the stoppage of the meeting because events of the previous week had raised the suspicion of violence in the matter.

“I was concerned with law and order. I move in if I suspect that people’s lives will be put in danger,” he said.
In the past few weeks, the Kontsh-ingila chiefdom returned to the spotlight following unfinished business over the appointment of a chief to relieve Gel-ane Simelane who has let the chiefdom, albeit on an acting basis.

While elders of the area were still pondering on who would take over, allegations questioning Gelane’s true surname emerged. A man known as Ambrose Mahlangu dropped a bombshell when he claimed to be her father. However, Gelane insists that she is the daughter of Chief Ntshingila Simelane, and a sister to Chief Mabonya. The matter has also been to Ludzidzini where there appeared to exist some conflict on the right person to be appointed as chief.

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