EKUPHELENI ROYAL KRAAL IN CHARGE

Please allow me to comment on an article which appeared in one of the local daily newspapers on Friday May 11, 2018, concerning a boundary dispute between Ekupheleni and Mpolonjeni Chiefdoms. Interestingly, a similar dispute obtains between the Ekupheleni and Motshane Chiefdoms.

I am happy that the Ekupheleni Royal Kraal has finally woken up from its slumber, albeit after so many years. I believe Prince Sobhiyose could be turning in his grave as he looks at the status quo. The Ekupheleni area was given to Prince Sobhiyose by King Mswati II. Sobhiyose used to stay with King Mswati II at the old Ludzidzini Royal Kraal. He was a celebrated warrior and each time he returned from war he was given cattle by the King. He had his own cattle kraal next to the main kraal. After sometime, King Mswati II instructed Sobhiyose to go and establish the Ekupheleni Village which stretched from Mnyamatsini up to the Komati River in the north, including Nkhaba Chiefdom. The Ekupheleni area was previously inhabited by the Mnisi people. The Mnisis occupied the vast area from Ezulwini to Malanti, covering areas such as Siphocosini, Sigangeni and Luhlendlweni. Years later the Ekupheleni Village was visited by King Mbandzeni, who also gave it his blessings.

Sobhiyose established the Mbhuleni Royal Residence in South Africa, however, when the borderline was drawn, King Mswati II instructed Sobhiyose to go and fetch the Shongwe people who were guarding the Lukwati cattle. He placed them at Motshane. Later, he brought the Dvubas who were guarding the Mpolonja cattle and placed them at Mpolonjeni. The Dlaminis guarding the Ludlambedlu cattle were placed at Nkhaba. In essence, Sobhiyose was assigned by King Mswati II to ensure that all the three uncommon breeds of cattle were well looked after and protected from usurpers. The leaders of Mpolonjeni, Motshane and Nkhaba all became tindvuna teKupheleni. Whenever there was a boundary dispute between these communities, the Ekupheleni Royal Kraal would intervene as they were the custodians of the land. In his later years, Sobhiyose became more involved in royal duties at the old Ludzidzini Royal Kraal. He used to perform the first fruit celebration rituals (abevula Incwala) and after the death of King Mbandzeni, as the most senior prince, he suggested that young Bhunu be made King. Sobhiyose features in King Bhunu’s praise names.

Sobhiyose’s heir was Ndlovula. Prince Ndlovula signed the document appointing J M Parsonson as British advisor and agent of the Swazi nation at Zombodze on July 18, 1905. Ndlovula’s brothers were Isaya and Majaha. Judging from the above short history, it is incomprehensible how both the Mpolonjeni and Motshane Chiefdoms could now dispute boundaries established by the Ekupheleni Royal Kraal. I am disturbed at how the most senior people of these communities shy away from telling the truth. The Ekupheleni Royal Kraal must rise up and restore its authority as mandated by King Mswati II, in order to stop these disputes before they get out of control.

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