The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) is addressing the alleged unlawful coronation of a Nigerian King in KuGompo City, formerly known as East London, South Africa. The department has described the event as an unlawful impersonation and a potential undermining of South African law and diplomatic relations.
Alleged Unlawful Coronation Sparks Concern
Reports indicate that a group of community members, reportedly originating from Nigeria, allegedly coronated an individual falsely presenting himself as a traditional leader. Deputy Minister of CoGTA, Reverend Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, stated that such conduct is inconsistent with South African law and democratic principles.
“If left unaddressed, it risks undermining South Africa’s democratic gains, the rule of law, and the diplomatic frameworks governing relations between nations,” Burns-Ncamashe said.
CoGTA has engaged the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to facilitate diplomatic engagement with the relevant authorities, including the High Commission of Nigeria, to address the matter.
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) expressed strong rejection and deep concern over the alleged coronation, stating that it disregards the country’s legal and cultural framework.
“The installation of any king or chief is not a ceremonial act that can be conducted arbitrarily or imported from foreign tradition,” the party said in a statement.
The Royal House of AbaThembu has distanced itself from social media posts and pictures purporting to portray AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Zwelibanzi Dalindyebo as welcoming and officially granting royalty to the alleged Nigerian king. Royal Ambassador and Senior Royal Advisor Matthew Mpahlwa stated the posts are “a product of fake news, sick and depraved minds,” and no further comment will be issued.
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