A leadership dispute has erupted in Mabidi village, with a "junior chief" or petty headman claiming to be the rightful ruler. The Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta) was called in to clarify the matter.
In a letter dated 29 January 2025, Coghsta confirmed that Thikhathali Nelson Mahandana is the recognised headman, or vhamusanda, of Ha-Mabidi village, which falls under the Davhana Traditional Authority.
Thikhathali Mabidi, as he is known, was installed in 2014 after the death of his father, Vhamusanda Thomani William Mabidi, in 2006.
But not everyone agrees that he is the rightful heir. Vhakoma Thomas Majara claims to be the legitimate traditional leader of Ha-Mabidi, arguing that customary practices were not followed when Thikhathali was installed.
The Mabidi royal family, supported by Coghsta, disputes Majara's claim. "We do not know him or what exactly he is claiming, but one thing is certain - he is causing confusion among the people," said royal family spokesperson Thivhoniwi Mabidi. "I can publicly say that I am from the Mabidi royal kraal, and I challenge Majara to state which royal kraal he comes from. He must also tell us which village he is chief of."
Coghsta appears to echo this stance, stating in its letter: "We do not have in our records a headman or traditional leader called Majara Thomas for that area."
Majara, however, remains adamant. "I don't want to reveal too much for now. Mahandana must understand that his father was born outside the royal family (vho tou da navho). He and his father do not have royal blood in their veins. If they continue to take advantage of the situation, I will expose them in public," he said when contacted for comment.
He added that he would challenge Coghsta's position and insisted that he was installed as the traditional leader by Vho Thovhele Nengwekhulu last year.