By Nokwanda Mamba

MBABANE: Former Army Commander Prince Sobantu has urged editor Zweli Martin Dlamini to stop politicizing the recent appointment of Chiefs by King Mswati.

In a telephone conversation with the editor of this Swaziland News on Saturday morning, the Ludzidzini Council member said the editor must wait for the official community meeting to be held at Nkhaba where Chief Mnisi would be officially introduced.

This comes after the editor authored an article criticizing the King, Indlovukazi and some members of the Ludzidzini Council over the alleged ‘invasion’ of iMiphakatsi where some illegitimate Chiefs were appointed.

The editor asked the Prince to clarify if the ‘blessing’ of Chief Mnisi marked the end of the disputes at Nkhaba, the disputes erupted shortly after the death of former Prime Minister Prince Bhekimphi who was the Chief of Nkhaba.

“It’s better to wait for my speech where I will be addressing the residents of Nkhaba and introduce the new Chief. You can send a reporter there to cover what I will say.Inkinga lana wena Zweli, ngitawutsi ngiyakhuluma usuke utsatse lentfo uyifake ku-politiki, ncono utsatse lenkhulumo lengitayibeka leNkhaba,” said the Prince.

Napoleon Dlamini was ‘blessed’ by King Mswati as the new Chief of Nkhaba, he was  supported and backed by Prince Sobantu and the late Bongani ‘Sigcokosiyancinca’ Dlamini's faction, the King rejected a candidate presented by Judge Majahenkhaba Dlamini and his wife Mummcy Dlamini’s faction.

The Nkhaba royal household known as ‘eLudlambedlwini’ is one of the most powerful within the royal circles, this include that of former Prime Minister Prince Mabandla and Senator Prince Magudvulela. 

These royal households within the Hhohho region form part of the pillars of the Monarchy hence the traditional song “Mswati uyiNkhosi kaHhohho”.