Vusumuzi Dube
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
REGENT Chief Mabhikwa of Lupane says while she is aware that some of the Khumalo clan members have filed a High Court application challenging her appointment to the leadership throne, she will not stop executing her duties.
The chieftainship became vacant following the death of Chief Mabhikwa (Vusumuzi Khumalo) in a tragic road accident on May 22, 2022.
Initially, his uncle, John Khumalo, was appointed acting chief. However, earlier this year, Ms Zanele Khumalo (35) was named regent chief by the Government to serve for nine years until Vusumuzi’s son, Wayne Makhosemvelo Khumalo, reached adulthood and assumed the position of substantive chief.
A faction of the family has rejected the appointment of Ms Khumalo as regent chief, citing cultural traditions that allegedly exclude women from assuming such roles.
However, during a brief interview during the commissioning of two classroom blocks at Gobakhulu Primary School in Jotsholo on Tuesday, Regent Chief Mabhikwa said she will stand guided by the High Court judgment at whatever time it will be delivered but for now, she was executing her duties.
Online Reporter