The Presidency has reportedly asked AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo to explain within 30 days why he should not be dethroned. This is said to be a result of some AbaThembu Chiefs having complained about their Kings conduct. The SABC (27 July 2014) quotes Contralesa provincial secretary, Chief Xolile Ndevu, as concerned about the new developments: A King is born, is not elected and is not nominated, he is the King because he is the direct descendent of the Thembu who was the head and the founder of AbaThembu nation. I do not think they have applied their mind correctly when they decided to write a letter that says King Dalindyebo within 30 days must show the cause why he should not be removed - that is actually undermining the whole institution of traditional leadership. I agree with Chief Ndevu. Actually, the Chiefs who are said to have petitioned for the removal of the King are Chiefs at the pleasure of the King. He has the powers to remove them. The only thing that ties the King to the government is the remuneration and related benefits that arise within the ambit of the Constitution. That remuneration cannot be withdrawn arbitrarily by the government. The King will have legal recourse to litigate on the matter. I cannot imagine the British government writing a similar letter to the Queen. Not to go too far, I cannot imagine the government writing a similar letter to King Goodwill Zwelithini. What sometimes let Africans down is the attitude of the powers that be to undermine African institutions.
Posted on: Mon, 28 Jul 2014 08:23:22 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015