LOZITHA:Percy Simelane,the King’s Spokesperson says contributions towards Incwala ceremony remain voluntary and, companies must not treat letters requesting same from other traditional or Government authorities as legitimate until advised formally.
The King’s Spokesperson was reacting to a story and, a letter published by this Swaziland News exposing how Chief Mawandla Gamedze of Vikizijula Royal Kraal wrote to Crooks Plantation, requesting donations while using the King’s Incwala ceremony that “is also funded” by the State,the private sector and/or Tibiyo TakaNgwane.
“We have not seen a similar letter requesting donations from companies to donate towards the running of the sacred Incwala ceremony before. Our experience is that gifts towards Incwala by anyone, including companies are presented voluntarily to cater for, among other essentials food for the participating public and transport”, said the King’s Spokesperson.
It has been reported earlier on Sunday that, Chief Mawandla Gamedze of Vijizijula Royal Kraal is allegedly collecting money from companies ahead of the Incwala ritual ceremony in what appears to be a systematic fraud.
Contributions for the ceremony are normally presented directly to the King and facilitated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government also contributes by providing transport for eMabutfo including Ingatja(young boys).
In a letter leacked to this Swaziland News and addressed to the Crooks Plantation Manager, William Dludlu, the Secretary of Chief’s Inner Council(Bandlancane) and Chairperson Mandla Bhembe, requested contributions for the Incwala ceremony.
“Babe Chief Mawandla Gamedze is requesting your company/Establishment to assist with donations or contributions while he prepares the commissioning on a date still to he announced by the State”, reads the letter in part
Worth-noting, corporate companies pay corporate tax, facilitate the payment of Value Added Tax(VAT), collect Pay as You Earn(PAYE) and further contribute to the society through various social programs in the country.
It remains unclear what the Chief requested the donations for, as both the Secretary of the Inner Council and the Chairperson declined to comment about the matter.
Imiphakatsi(Royal Kraals) have cattle including money paid by citizens when requesting land through kukhonta in terms of Customary Law, Incwala is highly expected to begin next month.
The King through the Minister of Home Affairs, will then invite companies to openly and voluntarily contribute to the event.
King Mswati during Incwala(Pic:supplied/internet)