THE confusion about who should take over the reins at the Mawewe Tribal Authority continues.
Attempts to resolve the matter are still pending due to the consultation of the MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditonal Affairs’ (Cogta) office with the two groups.
Before Chief Thengani Mkhwatshwa died in 1987, he appointed Candy to take over from him. As Candy was still young and furthering his studies, he had to ask his mother to act on his behalf.
But everything changed when he came back from his studies.
He found out that his mother had given Khulile the position. When he asked why, he was ignored – until today.
In March, members of the Mawewe community marched to the Mpumalanga government offices to hand over a memorandum demanding the removal of the current chief, Khulile Mkhatshwa and calling for the appointment of Candy Mkhatshwa as the rightful chief.
The memorandum was handed over to MEC Sasekani Manzini, who promised to deliver it to the relevant authorities.
Members of the tribal authority said they felt as if government was taking forever to deal with the matter.
“We have had endless meetings with the government and we feel as if they are delaying the process. All we want is for Khulile to give the rightful owner his chieftaincy.
“The government must withdraw her certificate and legally appoint Candy as the rightful chief,” said one of the headman, Ice Ngcane.
Ngcane said that they would do whatever it takes to ensure that Candy was installed as their chief.
Cogta spokesman George Mthethwa said consultations were still underway between the affected groups. “Once everything is concluded the MEC will table the way forward.”
