MBABANE – After a tense 18-hour standoff that left her final destination shrouded in uncertainty, Mbabane Highlanders superfan Luthando Kunene was finally laid to rest at Mantjolo yesterday morning.
What was meant to be a sombre transition from the mortuary to her final resting place on Saturday afternoon instead became a dramatic scene of cultural disputes and emotional vigils. The saga, which gripped the local football community, began at 4pm yesterday when the Hlatjwako family (her maternal side from Pigg’s Peak) intercepted the release of the body at Mbabane Burial.
The dispute centred on the sacred Eswatini custom of Inhlawulo (damages). While the Kunene family (her paternal side) intended to bury her at their ancestral home in Mantjolo, the Hlatjwakos argued that the customary requirements had not been met. Although it was noted that her husband, Skhumbuzo Nyamane, had previously provided two cows for kuteka, the Hlatjwako family claimed these had not been transferred to the maternal side as required.
Armed with an official letter from the umphakatsi, the Hlatjwakos stood their ground, demanding an inhlawulo payment of E5 000.
This financial and cultural deadlock meant that while fans expected to hold a vigil at the family home, they instead spent the night singing and chanting at the Mbabane Burial gates, as negotiations continued behind closed doors.
The breakthrough finally arrived at approximately 6am yesterday. Following a night of intense mediation, the Kunene family reportedly paid the E5 000 to the Hlatjwakos.
At 6:10am, a standoff involving the police and family representatives occurred as the paperwork was finalised. Shortly thereafter, at 6:15am, Mbabane Highlanders official Sizwe ‘Mpapane’ Ndlovu addressed the weary but devoted fans, confirming that Luthando would indeed be buried at her father’s home in Mantjolo.
By 7:15am, the doors of the burial chapel were opened for a final viewing. The atmosphere was heavy with grief; friends and ‘Landers supporters filed past the casket, some weeping openly while others struggled to maintain their composure.
At 7:30am, the funeral procession, which was led by a fleet of over 10 Quantum midibuses and private vehicles, began the journey to Mantjolo.
The casket arrived at the Kunene homestead at 8:30am to a thunderous reception. Fans from the ‘Big Three’ clubs Highlanders, Mbabane Swallows and Manzini Wanderers and Royal Leopard and Green Mamba put aside rivalries to celebrate her life.
The service was directed by Sonkhe Maziya, with a high-profile presence including Highlanders President Shauwn ‘Mamkhize’ Mkhize, team General Manager Richard Makhoba and various players and officials.
Speaking for the Kunenes, Mandla Madonsela expressed profound gratitude: “We thank the fans for standing by us. We appeal for respect and orderly behaviour as we welcome Luthando back to her home. She was someone who disliked chaos; let us honour her with peace.”
The Hlatjwako representative, Thulani Hlatjwako, offered a public apology for the delay, stating: “We thank God that we eventually reached a consensus. Our condolences go to the Nyamane and Kunene families.”
Representing the husband’s side, Lusekwane Nxumalo and husband Skhumbuzo Nyamane stood alongside the grieving family.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
