Controversial media personality Ngizwe Mchunu has publicly accused KwaZulu-Natal’s MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, of improperly appointing a chief in the Mdletsheni area. Mchunu claims the appointed individual is not the legitimate heir to the throne, thereby violating cultural traditions and customs.
According to Mchunu, this appointment represents a betrayal of the Mdletsheni community and an attack on cultural values. He warned that such decisions could create divisions, emphasizing that traditional leadership remains crucial for governance and identity in rural KwaZulu-Natal.
BUKA: U Ngizwe Mchunu usola u MEC wakwa CoGTA KwaZulu-Natal, u Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi ngokubeka Inkosi okunge yona eMdletsheni. pic.twitter.com/vgTGYiYw3d
— Sihle Mavuso (@ZANewsFlash) August 27, 2025
“This is not only a betrayal of the Mdletsheni people but also a direct attack on our cultural values,” Mchunu stated, alleging that political interference is undermining the independence of traditional leadership structures.
The MEC’s office has not yet issued a formal response to these allegations. However, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has previously stated that all appointments follow legal procedures, including consultation processes and adherence to customary law.
This dispute highlights ongoing tensions between government authorities and cultural custodians regarding the intersection of modern governance structures with traditional leadership systems. The situation in Mdletsheni is being closely watched as a test case for how such sensitive cultural matters are handled by provincial authorities.
Mchunu has vowed to continue speaking out until the matter is resolved, while the affected community awaits clarity on the legitimate leadership of their area.
