Ezikhotheni new chief stays put

NEWLY-installed Chief of Ezikhotheni area in the Shiselweni region Zwide Nxumalo says the sibhimbi ceremony was blessed by His Majesty King Mswati III.
In his answering affidavit filed at the High Court, Chief Zwide says Prince Logcogco, who is the Chairman of the Liqoqo Supreme Council, stated that the matter was long finalised by the King.
He says the Liqoqo Supreme Council could not overrule the King’s ruling that the sibhimbi should go ahead.
“”On the day of sibhimbi there were representatives of His Majesty King Mswati III which was a clear sign that all that was done had the blessing of the traditional authorities,” he states.
Chief Zwide is responding to an application filed by former acting chief of the area, Bernard Nxumalo, who is seeking an order sending the chief to prison for 60 days for contempt of court.
The newly-installed chief is alleged to have defied a court order issued by the Nhlangano Magistrate’s Court, which stopped the sibhimbi ceremony.
Chief Zwide argues that he was not responsible for the proceedings of the sibhimbi ceremony.
“In Swazi culture the chief who is to dance the sibhimbi is not all responsible for the organisation and proceedings of the sibhimbi,” he states.
“The applicant (Bernard) himself is aware that the elders of Nxumalo clan were the ones who were responsible for the organisation and proceedings of the sibhimbi.”
He also denies the ceremony proceeded in the defiance of a court order.
In his papers, Chief Zidwe has attached a letter of his appointment signed by His Majesty King Mswati III.
Judge Qinisile Mabuza postponed the case to today.
Bernard is represented by Titus Mlangeni while Nhlanhla Zwane appears for Chief Zwide.