Ndebele King, Bulelani Collins Khumalo’s camp has dismissed calls for a traditional “lot” process (Inkatho) to select the rightful heir to the throne, saying such efforts are a “waste of time” as the king is already installed.
The declaration came amid efforts by the Umthando Wesizwe group to mediate the long-standing kingship dispute within the Khumalo clan by engaging all claimants in the spiritual selection process.
The Ndebele kingship revival has seen multiple claimants emerge.
Bulelani (Njube house) was privately crowned in 2018, as was Stanley Raphael Khumalo (Hlangabeza house) in a separate private ceremony in Bulawayo.
Two other claimants, Peter Zwide Khumalo and Mcijwana Khumalo, have not been crowned.
Ernest Langalitshoni Ncube, Chairman of the Umthando Wesizwe group, recently stated that they had approached all claimants to participate in the lot process for a peaceful resolution.
Ncube noted that while Peter Zwide rejected the process as “magic” and Bulelani’s representative stated they already have a king, Stanley Raphael and representatives from Nkulumane and Albert houses agreed to the idea.
Stanley Raphael Khumalo confirmed his commitment, saying he has suspended all his programmes—including a previously attempted occupation of the Bulawayo State House in 2022—in respect of the process.
However, Bulelani’s spokesperson, Bornman Khumalo, rejected the idea.
“Those calling for a lot process are just daydreaming. It’s just their wish... we do not know that thing,” Bornman said.
“The king has since been selected, the king is there... we are not going back.”
He described the talk of the Lot as confusion, emphasizing that their camp follows tradition and culture, not court directives.
“The Roman Dutch law can interpret it the other way, if it wants to choose its own King it can do so,” he said.
In a year-end statement, Bornman said the king’s activities would double in the coming year, focusing on orienting youth in the tradition and culture of the Ndebele Kingdom.
“We are busy building our kingdom and we will not rest,” he added.
The Ndebele kingship issue has fragmented the Khumalo clan, with five claimants emerging.
The government has previously blocked public coronation attempts in Bulawayo, leading to the private crowning of two rivals.
