By Tshwarelo eseng Mogakane
An amaNdebele king is threatening to take President Thabo Mbeki to court for failing to recognise him.
Mabhoko III, otherwise known as Mbusi Mahlangu of the Ndzunza-Mabhoko clan, was appointed king by the royal family following the death of his father, King Mayitjha III, who died of a stroke in June 2005.
But he has not yet received his recognition certificate from Mbeki's office, because the kingship of the clan is under dispute and is being investigated by the Nhlapo commission of inquiry.
Mabhoko III is a descendant of King Musi, the 16th century monarch who was the last king to lead the amaNdebele people as one nation. His appointment has been opposed by other Ndzunza royals.
The office of Mpumalanga premier Thabang Makwetla has confirmed that it received a note from Mabhoko III in which he said he intended suing to fast-track his appointment.
"The traditional leader intends taking President Mbeki, Provincial and Local Government Minister Sydney Mufamadi and the premier to court to demand his recognition certificate," said Makwetla's spokesperson Ntime Skhosana.
He said the provincial government was concerned by Mabhoko III's legal threats, but would be guided by the findings of the Nhlapo Commission which handles matters relating to traditional disputes.
A senior department of local government official called on Mabhoko III to exercise patience. "There is no need for him to take it to court. The appointment is made following the normal procedures under the new Act. It stipulates that recognition certificates must be issued by the President," said Solly Masilela, the department's provincial director of traditional leadership.
"Whenever there are any objections and disputes, the commission must conduct an investigation, whose decision will influence the presidency in issuing a certificate of recognition," said Masilela.
Meanwhile, some members of the Ndzunza royal house want nothing to do with Mabhoko III's legal threats - even though they support his claim to the throne.
"We have distanced ourselves from this decision because Mabhoko III is doing things on his own accord without consulting the family," said royal family spokesperson Sipho Mahlangu. - African Eye News Service