Big support for Inkosi Lushaba’s kraal ceremony
Inkosi Sithembiso Lushaba's entering of the kraal was the final ceremony in his crowning as the new king.
High-profile politicians and community activists supported Inkosi Sithembiso Lushaba’s entering of the kraal ceremony in Oshabeni last Saturday.
It is one of the final ceremonies in the crowning of a new king.
The guests included Inkosi Phathisizwe Shinga (chairperson of the Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders), KZN MEC of Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma, former Ray Nkonyeni municipal manager Max Mbili, Mzwandile Mkhwanazi and traditional leaders in the Ugu region.
Congratulating Inkosi Lushaba, Duma said he felt rejuvenated to walk in Oshabeni and to be part of this historic cultural event.
He said the practice was etched in the annals of their beautiful history as a key connection between the present, the past and the future, and a communion with the cosmos of the universe.
Duma said traditional leadership in South Africa has roots that extend to pre-colonial times.
“Colonial and apartheid regimes severely undermined these institutions, often using traditional leaders as tools for their governance strategies. After the end of apartheid in 1994, the ANC recognised the importance of traditional leadership but faced challenges integrating it into a democratic framework. The Constitution of South Africa acknowledges traditional leadership under Chapter 12,” said Duma.
He added that traditional leaders are recognised according to customary law and that their roles should align with democratic principles.
Meanwhile, Inkosi Shinga encouraged respecting and the better treatment of women by traditional leaders and the larger community.
Shinga advocated for women as Inkosi Lushaba’s entering the kraal ceremony was on International Women’s Day (March 8).
“We grew to be big men, and women are the ones behind our stories of growth. A family home is never as warm or complete without a mother. Women are important in every aspect of our lives, hence, why we grew up being told that a man should not reach a certain age without getting married,” he said.
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