KuGompo City - The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (GOGTA) has taken a firm stance against the alleged coronation of a Nigerian King in KuGompo City.
It described it as an unlawful impersonation and purported coronation of an individual falsely presenting himself as a traditional leader.
According to Cogta, reports indicate that the individual, who is being portrayed as a “king”, was allegedly coronated by a group of community members reportedly originating from Nigeria.
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This incident is said to have occurred in KuGompo, formerly known as East London, situated within the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.
Deputy Minister of CoGTA, Reverend Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, slammed this installation saying 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 this matter.
The departments response comes after The African Transformation Movement (ATM) expressed their strong rejection and deep concern over the alleged coronation.
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In a statement on 18 March, the political party said these actions are a direct disregard to 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.
Meanwhile the Royal House of AbaThembu has distanced itself from trending social media posts and pictures purporting to portray AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Zwelibanzi Dalindyebo as welcoming, and officially granting royalty to a said Nigerian king.
“It would appear that the social media posts are a product of fake news, sick and depraved minds. As such, no further comment will be issued in this regard,” Aba Thembu Royal Ambassador and Senior Royal Advisor Matthew Mpahlwa said.