Durban - The AbaThembu clan has chastised Makaziwe Mandela-Amuah for disrespecting the important mourning period, saying it will not tolerate her “tendencies of disrespect”.
It also said that Mandela-Amuah needed to “know her place and stop interfering with the kingdom”, and even suggested that she spend time with her nephew Mandla Mandela to learn more about Xhosa culture and customs.
The AbaThembu clan and the Mandela family are observing a period of mourning after the death of Nelson Mandela on December 5.
The former statesman was buried on December 15 in Qunu.
Daludumo Mtirara, a spokesman for the royal family of the kingdom of AbaThembu, said they were livid after Mandela-Amuah made comments about the family during an interview with veteran journalist Vuyo Mvoko on the SABC on Thursday.
“During the interview, Makaziwe implied that she did not know the history of the royal family, so we want to bring her up to scratch,” said Mtirara.
“We cannot allow such tendencies of disrespect to take place. She is entering a domain that is outside her mandate. Her lack of understanding of our culture is evident. She mixes our culture with the western and then wants to practise her western ways in our rural village.
“She wants to claim to be a Xhosa. Mandela knew who we are, he knew our history. Makaziwe needs to know her place and stop interfering with the kingdom.”
It was clear that Mandela-Amuah did not understand where she originated from or how the affairs of the kingdom of AbaThembu were dealt with, he said.
“The royal family would like to remind her once again that this time is for mourning for the passing on of Nkosi Dalibhunga Nelson Mandela. Her royal family, which she seems to doubt its authenticity, still expects her to commit her time towards mourning and selfless service to our people.”
Mandela-Amuah needed to do a little introspection. “It would be inappropriate if the royal family does not tell her that she must ask herself, who is Mandela? When we have a ritual in Qunu for black buttons on March 22, she will be able to get more details about how we operate. We are not confident of her ability to execute her advisory function in the Mandela house.”
Mandela-Amuah needed to learn from Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela.
“We have identified that Madiba prepared him well to build up from his legacy and link up with his family not only with the Mandela house. If Madiba did not make that strategic decision, we would not have a person of Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela’s calibre in that royal house today… We recommend that Makaziwe Mandela-Amuah spend more time with Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela in order to learn about us.”
Mtirara added: “Makaziwe Mandela-Amuah must keep in mind that she is not a world icon. She remains to us one of the most junior princesses who has a role to play when invited.
“Makaziwe Mandela-Amuah must learn that you don’t automatically become an adviser. It is the depth and width that a princess has which qualifies her to fulfil that important function.”
Mandla Mandela said: “Unfortunately I don’t want to comment because the family is still mourning.”
The Sunday Tribune called Mandela-Amuah but was told never to call her number again.
Sunday Tribune