Communities in the cluster of villages west of Mthatha are considering renaming the area in honour of Jonas Jongisizwe "JJ" Ndzambule, the former trusted right-hand man of AbaThembu king Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo. Ndzambule founded the area in 1996 and was appointed chief of Mthatha West and head of the Ngxule Traditional Authority by the king. Local leader Thembinkosi Butshinga confirmed the calls following Ndzambule's funeral at MaMpingeni village in Tabase, outside Mthatha, on Saturday.
Ndzambule played a crucial role in establishing Mthatha West, which has grown into eight villages, including Mandela Park, Joe Slovo Park, and Chris Hani Park. He served as a mediator, helping to reconcile disputes between the king and Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane, as well as between the king and the family of self-proclaimed leader Sakhumzi Dalinzolo Mareke. Dr Matthew Mpahlwa, from King Dalindyebo's office, praised Ndzambule's loyalty, discipline, and commitment to the king and the AbaThembu kingdom.
Community leaders admitted that they had failed to honour Ndzambule during his lifetime, despite his sacrifices in providing land, homes, and schools. They now believe that naming a single street, Jonas JJ Ndzambule Avenue, is not enough to honour a man who built Mthatha West from scratch. Community leaders, including Mzwandile Velembo, Simosakhe Memani, and Nwabisa Nyoka, called for a fitting tribute, such as renaming a school or establishing a memorial in his honour.
The proposed tribute would recognise Ndzambule's sacrifices, which could have cost him his life. Community leaders plan to hold meetings and involve stakeholders, including King Sabata Dalindyebo local municipality and the Eastern Cape Geographical Name Change Committee, to ensure that all procedures are followed and that the name change is properly gazetted. Butshinga said that everyone is pleased, but they are committed to following due process and involving government, the municipality, traditional leaders, and the wider Mthatha West community.
Ndzambule founded Mandela Park, which became home to thousands of families. Over three decades, it developed into one of the largest communities in Mthatha and a political powerhouse in the King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality. Ward 37 councillor Thembisile Gqiba, who worked with Ndzambule from 1994, recalled the first demarcation of land in 1996, where sites were not sold, and people paid only R10 for a tractor to demarcate a site.
Community members acknowledged that the five schools in the area, including Mandela Park School, built with funds raised by Nelson Mandela, would not exist without Ndzambule. Mandela Park Primary principal Xolisani Neti said that Ndzambule played a central role in establishing the school, demarcating the site, seeking funding, and recruiting teachers. The school has grown significantly since its establishment in 1999.
The community is determined to honour Ndzambule's legacy, with some suggesting that renaming Mthatha West or erecting a monument in his honour would be a fitting tribute. However, Butshinga emphasised that people must be continually reminded of the history of the area to ensure that Ndzambule's contributions are not forgotten.
Key points
- Communities in Mthatha West are calling for the area to be renamed in honour of its founder, Jonas Jongisizwe "JJ" Ndzambule.
- Ndzambule played a crucial role in establishing Mthatha West, providing land, homes, and schools to thousands of families.
- Community leaders plan to hold meetings and involve stakeholders to ensure that all procedures are followed and that the name change is properly gazetted.
