Azenathi removed as King of AbaThembu: AbaThembu acting King, Azenathi Zanelizwe Dalindyebo, has been directed to leave his office and also the Bumbane Great Place outside Mthatha immediately by the The Eastern Cape government.
he has been acting King of the AbaThembu since the arrest of his controversial father King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo. Buyelekhaya spent 4 years at East London Correctional Facility for kidnapping, assault and defeating the ends of justice.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs officials have been directed to recover all government resources being used by Azenathi’s including a vehicle, petrol cards and cell phones.
Eastern Cape Premier Mabuyane reminded Azenathi that his contract expired on 8 February 2020.
“You are hereby requested to vacate the office and palace of Dalindyebo Kingship with immediate effect on receipt of this correspondence,” read the letter, sent to the prince.
The premier’s spokesperson Mvusiwekhaya Sicwetsha confirmed that Mabuyane had been delivered to Prince Azenathi.
“This communication means AbaThembu King, His Majesty, Zwelibanzi Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo returns to his throne. This is done in line with relevant and applicable legislations regulating such processes and decisions. Government wants to complete this process soon,” he said according to News24.
Mabuyane is believed to have made the directive to pave way for the coronation of Azenathi’s father Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo as substantive king.
Azenathi was elected substantive AbaThembu King
The directive comes just a few weeks after Azenathi was declared substantive King by the Dalindyebo clan in a ceremony at the Bumbane Great place. The election of Azenathi seems to have not been backed by the Eastern Cape government as he is now being fired from his post.
AbaThembu Royal family divided
The royal family is divided on who should become their substantive king. Some are backing Buyelekhaya whilst others are backing Azenathi. Before the election, some members of the royal family questioned why Azenathi was still receiving kingly benefits as his father had returned from incarceration and was supposed to claim his rightful throne.