PRINCE SOBANDLA PASSES ON

MBABANE – The nation is once again in mourning following the death of Prince Sobandla. The prince succumbed to an unknown illness yesterday morning in a South African private clinic where he had been admitted for some time.

The news of his demise was confirmed by acting Ludzidzini Governor Lusendvo Fakudze and Prince Masitsela, in separate interviews. The deceased prince is former Minister of Home Affairs and that of Natural Resources and Energy.
He had been in and out of hospitals locally and outside the country in recent months.

The late prince was the minister of Home Affairs for eight years as his tenure started in 1995 until 2003. He took this position from then Liqoqo member, Prince Mfanasibili.
Leading to his appointment into the Ministry of Home Affairs, the deceased was the Minister of Natural Resources and Energy.

Demise

According to Prince Masitsela, the demise of the former minister happened at a wrong time as Incwala, the country’s annual cultural event, had already started. This, he said, put the royal household in a tight space but God had all the answers as to why He chose this time. The senior prince said God had given rest to Prince Sobandla, who had been sickly in recent times and therefore, they could not question the timing of his passing. Several times, according to Prince Masitsela, when Prince Sobandla was critically ill, they prayed to God that He spares his soul and the Almighty had not disappointed as his (Prince Sobandla) health would improve.

Prince Masitsela said for so many years, Prince Sobandla was sick and he was in and out of hospitals locally and abroad. He said they were at pains about his passing and all they wished for was that he is well received where his soul had gone to.

Disturbing

Meanwhile, he said considering the fact that they had lost another prince, Prince Phuzigazi, hardly a month ago, it was very disturbing to lose another member of the royal family.
He said accepting the passing on of someone of Prince Sobandla’s calibre was not easy. The senior prince said the deceased member of the royal family would be remembered for his love of the Bible.

Prince Sobandla would normally declare, whenever given the opportunity, that he was a staunch Christian and would often quote several Biblical scriptures, which he knew by heart. 
On the other hand, Indvuna Lusendvo Fakudze said he received the report of the passing of the senior prince yesterday morning.
Indvuna Fakudze said he was also called by the royal household doctor who reports on behalf of the royal households when there has been a death report, in Pretoria. Indvuna Fakudze said he was away and hoped that those responsible would be able to report to Her Majesty.

Senior Prince, David said he had not been officially informed about the Prince Sobandla’s demise when called yesterday.
His death comes about two years after the passing on of his wife. The late Prince had about 10 children. Another close relative to the prince said it was a known fact that he was ill and was in and out of hospital.
“It is not easy to accept death but we know that he is resting now,” the relative said but requested this reporter to speak to the relevant authorities.

In October 2011, Prince Sobandla attacked police officers who arrested him for driving while under the influence of alcohol. The prince was highly critical of the manner in which the police arrested him. He accused the police of waylaying him at the entrance to his residence where they arrested him. He also complained that he was not given any ticket or summons which called him to appear before court.

Unhappiness

Present when Prince Sobandla spoke of his unhappiness about the whole episode were then police top brass, Hhohho Regional Commander, Richard Mngometulu and then Mbabane Police Station Commander, George Mayisa. The late prince was also known for his love of tourists. In March 2003, he was quoted by Africa News having said; “Swaziland (now Eswatini) has always been a haven. We treat our guests well.” In 2010, the late prince spoke openly about the chieftancy issues of Nsenga. The late Prince Sobandla had said he had not installed himself as chief of Nsenga or Sankolweni, which are now under one umphakatsi (royal kraal).

The prince, who was also a senator at the time, made this announcement outside Parliament during a press conference in the company of his two youngest daughters. The late prince had said after the demise of his brother, Prince Lukhuleni, who had been the chief, his mother, Inkhosikati LaNganya, was appointed the head of the area.

The prince said whenever he spoke about royal kraal issues, he was speaking on behalf of his family (indluyakabo) because he was the eldest male representative.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: