EKUTSIMULENI:King Mswati has appointed ‘Sikhonti’(new resident)as Chief of Ekutsimuleni,a Chiefdom previously ruled by Chief Prince Maloyi, the son of King Somhlolo.
It has been disclosed that Mphelave Dlamini was appointed on the basis that he was sharing food with Mswati at a tender age in the 1970s,his father or grandfather was never a Chief.
Speaking to this Swaziland News on Tuesday,Msunduza Venon Dlamini,one of bantfwabeNkhosi from Ekutsimuleni umphakatsi said they were never informed by Mswati as to why he decided to remove Prince Maloyi’s royal household and install Mphelave.
In terms of Customary Law, Chiefs are appointed by Lusendvo of the various iMiphakatsi before being ‘blessed’ by their Majesties.
Dlamini said Mphelave’s parents arrived at Ekutsimuleni in the 1970s and asked for a piece of land, however, Mphelave ended-up befriending Mswati at a young age because his father was escorting King Sobhuza’s wives(emaKhosikati).
“We tried everything in our power to seek an audience with the King, demanding answers why we are deprived of our right as Lusendvo to appoint a Chief, however, we were told that we will now bow to Mphelave,” he said.
On Saturday(12th November 2022)residents of Ekutsimuleni protested against the appointment of Mphelave, however, police were deployed to disperse them.This was during an event where the Chief was formally introduced to the residents.
Efforts to reach Chief Mphelave proved unsuccessful at the time of compiling this report.
On another note, King Mswati,when ‘blessing’ Chiefs at Ludzidzini Palace said his word was final adding that those who have been blessed by him are now legitimate Chiefs.
“As a King, I speak once, my word is final. This means these Chiefs who have been blessed are now legitimate and their sons will take over upon death,” said the King.
Chief Mphelave.