A battle over who may legally claim to be a traditional leader is currently playing out in the Vuwani Magistrate's Court. The dispute, however, may have far-reaching consequences for traditional leadership structures in the country, particularly in the Vhembe region.
Norman Matsila appeared in court again last Wednesday, 30 April, where he is charged with contravening sections of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act or the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act. He is accused of falsely claiming to be a traditional leader.
The charges were laid by senior traditional leader Thovhele Nthumeni Masia and the Masia Royal Family. The conflict between the Masia and Matsila royal families dates back several years.
On 7 December last year, a coronation was planned, and former president Jacob Zuma was reportedly invited as a guest of honour. Rumours at the time suggested that Norman Matsila had visited Zuma's Nkandla homestead several times to seek his support.
This angered the Masia Royal Family, prompting Thovhele Masia to issue a statement distancing himself from the event. He also laid charges against Matsila, although no action was initially taken.
Following sustained pressure on law-enforcement agencies, Norman Matsila was eventually arrested on Monday, 10 March. He made his first appearance in the Vuwani Magistrate's Court on 11 March and was released on warning.
When Matsila appeared in court again last Wednesday, he was met by a large contingent of people supporting Thovhele Masia. The case was postponed to 8 June and Matsila was again released on warning.
Reacting after the court appearance, a dejected but hopeful Thovhele Masia said he was not surprised by the slow pace of the case. "We reported this case a long time ago, but it took decades for police to arrest the suspect. We had to tell the police that we would camp at the station or that they will have to arrest us. That is when they arrested him," he said.
Masia said the drama had not stopped. "We are still seeing him on social-media platforms going around masquerading as a traditional leader, even wearing traditional gear and conducting interviews that further deepen the confusion in the community. Though we are not that happy, we will await the wheels of justice to move at their own speed," he said.
He thanked the community members present for their support. "This type of case does not affect the Masia royalty alone but many other traditional leaderships that are going through this. We are confident and hopeful the outcomes will deter other masqueraders," he said.
Asked to comment, Vho Norman Matsila said he was not worried. "I do not have anything to say as the case is in court," he added.