Daily Sun (July 2 2013) - THERE should be no exhuming bodies or preparing graves. Nobody is supposed to visit the grave of a person who is still alive. Inkosi Tanduxolo Mtirara reminded the nation and the Mandela family that cultural traditions are being violated. THE ABATHEMBU ARE SHOCKED BY THE FIGHTING IN THE MANDELA FAMILY, HE SAID.
"This is the first time this has happened in our family," said Mtirara, acting chairman and senior member of the royal house for the kingdom of AbaThembu. "If we fail to resolve these matters we risk the world looking upon our culture, values and beliefs with disrespect."
Mtirara said: "At the moment we are supposed to show our respect for Nelson Mandela. We're not supposed to have these disputes."
A meeting will be held on Tuesday 8 July at Qunu to address the dispute. Representatives from the royal blood of the AbaThembu Kingdom and the daughters of the Mandela family will attend the meeting. "These reports of disputes within the Mandela Royal House are disturbing to the other royal houses. We will convene a mediation meeting with the other royal houses to restore harmony in the Mandela family, especially during this challenging period when the patriarch of the family is ill in hospital."
The royal houses of King Ngubengcuka consist, among other prominent houses, of King Mtirara, Mnqanqeni, Joyi and Mandela.
"We not only look at Madiba as a former state president but also as a member of the royal family," said Mtirara. "We cannot over-emphasise the significance of observing all the necessary cultural, customary and traditional requirements by all members of the Mandela family," he said. Lawyers representing Mandla Mandela will argue their case at the Mthatha High Court today.
Last week Judge Lusindiso Pakade granted a court application made by 16 of his relatives including aunt Makaziwe and half brother Ndaba regarding the reburial of three relatives. On Sunday Mandla said he would the challenge the court and lawyers from both family camps will fight for their respective clients to get their way.
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