Nelson Mandela and his grandson Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela ©getty images
Are you aware that Nelson Mandela was born a noble Prince of the abaThembu Kingdom of South Africa? Yes he was born a son of chief of abaThembu royal clan. He was also heir to the chiefdom of Mvezo which he left to go and study law and fight for South African independence. In 2007 however this chieftancy was revived for the Mandela family. The Xhosa and thembu royal kingships decided to revive it after many years of it being banned by the white colonial government and Nelson Mandela was expected to claim it as the original heir.
Nelson Mandela being in his old age decided that his grandson Zwelivelile ‘Mandla’ mandela would be the bearer of the chief title. Zwelivelile ‘Mandla’ Mandela is the son of Nelson Mandela’s son Makgatho Mandela who died in 2005. He has a degree in politics and is married with 3 children.
Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty ImagesHe was therefore installed as chief or Nkosi of Mvezo traditional authority at the age 32 in 2007 at a ceremony attended by many royals from the many prominent royal houses of South Africa. His duties were now delegated to solving clan disputes, ceremonial activities and tribe representation on the political government.
Below as some of the royal guests present:
- Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa, Prince of abaThembu
- Graca Machel, former first lady of South Africa and Mozambique
- Princess Sibusile Zulu, daughter to HM King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu of Zulu kingdom, South Africa
- Prince Mbonisi zulu, brother to King of Zulu
- Prince Mpapatla Modjadji, brother to late Rain Queen Modjadji v of BaLobedu Queenship, South Africa
- Princess Makgadi
- Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Prince of kwaphindagene, inkosi of buthelezi clan, prime minister of Zulu kingdom, South Africa, politician
Princess Sibusile Zulu and her uncle prince Mbonisi Zulu
Embed from Getty ImagesPrince Mpapatla Modjadji and princess Makgadi of BaLobedu
Embed from Getty Images
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