One of several claimants to the Ndebele throne, Stanley Raphael Khumalo, has publicly committed to a traditional lot-drawing process to resolve the long-standing kingship dispute.
He has subsequently suspended all his own programmes, including his controversial 2022 plan to occupy the Bulawayo State House.
The initiative is being spearheaded by the group Umthondo Wesizwe, which has been engaging the five known Khumalo claimants to encourage a peaceful, spiritual solution.
In respect of this process, Khumalo stated that his campaigns were on hold.
“It is clear that there are internal processes underway aimed at ensuring a smooth, structured, and undisputed resolution,” he told Southern Eye.
“Any comment from our side at this moment could be misinterpreted...
“We believe it is in the best interest of everyone involved to allow these processes to unfold.”
The revival of the Ndebele kingship has been marred by fragmentation within the Khumalo clan, with five individuals claiming the right to the throne.
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Two claimants, Bulelani Khumalo and Stanley Raphael Khumalo, have held private coronations after the government blocked public events.
According to Umthondo Wesizwe chairman, Ernest Langalitshoni Ncube, the divisions and secrecy surrounding the selections mean there is still no officially recognized king.
“In all the current confusion and division... we have come to realise that only conducting a Lot (Inkatho) will resolve the impasse and give us the rightful and spiritually anointed King,” Ncube said.
He reported mixed reactions from the claimants with Peter Zwide Khumalo rejecting the lot as “magic,” while a representative for Bulelani Khumalo stated they already have a king.
However, Raphael Khumalo and representatives for the Nkulumane and Albert houses have agreed to the idea.
This development marks a significant shift for Stanley Raphael Khumalo, who in May 2022 wrote to President Emmerson Mnangagwa declaring his intent to lead a “crusade” from South Africa to reclaim the Bulawayo State House and revive the Mthwakazi kingdom.
That attempt was blocked by police and later cancelled due to what Khumalo cited as assassination threats.
