Ndebele Kingdom crowns new king without court fight

By Celani Sikhakhane

• The AmaNdebele Manala Royal Family has named King Mkhutjhwa Mabhena the Second as the new king after the death of King Makhosoke Mabhena the Second.

• The new king has served his community for years through the Manala Mbhongo Traditional Council and was chosen by the royal family on 26 July 2026.

The AmaNdebele Manala Kingdom has done what many royal families have failed to do.

It has chosen a new king without court battles, family disputes or years of uncertainty.

The peaceful succession comes after the death of King Makhosoke Mabhena the Second, who ruled the kingdom for about 40 years.

Soon after his funeral, the royal family named King Mkhutjhwa Mabhena the Second, affectionately known as Solly, as the new ruler of the AmaNdebele Manala Kingdom.

The smooth handover marks a rare moment in South Africa’s traditional leadership, where succession disputes have often ended in bitter legal battles.

The AmaNdebele Manala kingship was officially recognised by the Nhlapo Commission, established by former President Thabo Mbeki to investigate traditional leadership claims.

The commission confirmed the AmaNdebele Manala kingship as legitimate alongside the AmaNdebele Ndzundza kingdom.

The late King Makhosoke Mabhena the Second was widely respected for protecting and promoting the Ndebele language.

He fought for the language to be recognised as a subject at universities and became one of the kingdom’s longest serving monarchs.

His successor, King Mkhutjhwa Solly Mabhena, was born on 20 May 1965 at Allemansdrift B, also known as KwaMbhongo at Allemanskraal.

He is the third child and second son of the late King William Mbhongo the Second and the late Queen Helen Sonengani Mabhena.

He attended Mbhongo Combined Primary School before completing his studies at Babutheni Higher Secondary School.

After finishing matric, he worked as a clerk at the Missionary Centre of Saterland, where he gained valuable administrative experience.

He later became Headman Coordinator under the Manala Mbhongo Traditional Council, helping oversee community affairs and preserve the customs of the AmaNdebele people.

Away from traditional leadership, King Mkhutjhwa is married to Queen Letty Khabonina Mahlangu.

The couple have two daughters, one son and two grandchildren.

The royal family selected him as heir to the throne on 26 July 2026.

His appointment signals the start of a new chapter for the AmaNdebele Manala Kingdom, with many hoping the peaceful transition will become an example for other traditional kingdoms across South Africa.

Pictured above: King Mkhutjhwa Mabhena the Second.

Image source: Ndebele Royal Kingdom.