KANGCAMPHALALA: Chief Mshikashika of KaNgcamphalala allegedly forced residents of the area to contribute towards the purchasing of alcoholic beverages for King Mswati’s ritual men(Bemanti).
BeManti are currently going around the country performing rituals(kuloya) as part of Incwala, kaNgcamphalala is one of their resting area where rituals are performed before the commencement of the ceremony.
Areas under KaNgcamphalala Chiefdom include Manyovu, Mahlabatsini, Luvatsi Logoba, Phumlamcashi,Tikonjaneni, Maphobeni and Mndobandoba among others.
Eswatini has about 70% of the population living below the poverty line, some survive through subsistence farming.
A questionnaire was sent to Chief Mshikashika, however, he had not responded at the time of compiling this report.
But Simon Tsabedze, the Umgijimi (Chief’s Messenger) of the area confirmed that residents were requested to contribute towards buying alcoholic beverages for the ritual men(Bemanti).
“It’s true that we asked the residents who are in sugar schemes to contribute towards buying alcoholic beverages for Bemanti. But let me correct you, I am not Umgijimi but the Chief normally requests me to do certain things on his behalf. You can ask them at the Umphakatsi, they will tell you that I don’t even set my foot there, I am not Umgijimi”,said the Chief’s Messenger when speaking to editor Zweli Martin Dlamini who was investigating the matter.
Chief Mshikashika of KaNgcamphalala.