A storm is brewing within the uMthwakazi community after an explosive anonymous statement accused unnamed figures of hijacking the kingdom’s destiny without consultation, mandate, or transparency.
The document, which went viral on social media this week, questions who truly has authority to speak for the Mthwakazi/Ndebele nation.
At the heart of the controversy is an April delegation that travelled to Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal, to meet Zulu king Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
The group was reportedly led by South Africa-based Ndebele King Bulelani Lobengula Khumalo.
The meeting occurred nearly 200 years after King Mzilikazi kaMashobane, once a key lieutenant to King Shaka, led his people north into present-day Zimbabwe.
Critics say the delegation presented eight herd cattle to the Zulu king in the name of the uMthwakazi Kingdom, with no public consultation or involvement of Khumalo family elders.
Chief Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni of Ntabazinduna has also been publicly linked to the delegation.
During the meeting, Prince Hlabezulu reportedly spoke of “new terms of agreement,” sparking outrage.
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“What agreement? Who negotiated it? Who approved it?” the anonymous statement demands.
The controversy deepened after a video emerged urging people to “sign up” under a collective linked to uMthwakazi initiatives, promising business funding.
Observers saiid the dispute exposes long-standing divisions over legitimacy, representation, and self-determination within the broader uMthwakazi movement.
Greater Sibanda, spokesperson for one of the Ndebele kingship claimants, Stanley Raphael Khumalo, has condemned what he calls “self-appointed authorities” acting without the people’s consent.
“As people of uMthwakazi, we cannot keep quiet while a few individuals, particularly those based outside the country, attempt to elevate themselves into self-appointed authorities,” Sibanda said.
He described the presentation of eight cattle to the Zulu king as “deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” warning it could distort history.
“King Mzilikazi never surrendered his honour, and no one today has the authority to rewrite that history for personal agendas,” he added.
Sibanda also criticised undisclosed engagements with Boer groupings in South Africa.
“No individual or small grouping has the right to mortgage the future of our people behind closed doors,” he said.
“UMthwakazi is not a personal project, a fundraising platform, or a political startup company to be signed up for like a business scheme. The struggle and identity of our people are sacred and rooted in blood, history, sacrifice, and collective memory.”
Critics are now demanding full disclosure of all agreements and financial arrangements made in the name of uMthwakazi, plus a broad national dialogue involving elders, youth, women, and grassroots citizens.
King Bulelani’s spokesperson, Bornman Khumalo, promised to respond later, saying he was busy.
