A funeral at a Shabangu homestead in Ndzingeni, Eswatini, was unexpectedly called off over the weekend due to a dispute between the family and the Ndzingeni Royal Kraal. The royal kraal had directed the Shabangu family to bury their relative at one of the area's designated community cemeteries, rather than at the homestead where other family members were buried. This decision left the family and some community members questioning the timing of the intervention.
According to Ndzingeni Headman Anderson Mkhonta, the family had been informed of the community burial protocol and had been asked to choose one of two designated cemeteries for the burial. The family had reportedly been given until Monday to make a decision but failed to do so. Community police were then sent to summon the family to the royal kraal, but they did not comply. The issue was eventually brought to the family's attention on Friday.
Mkhonta stated that the royal kraal's representatives were surprised to find that the family had already started digging a grave at the homestead. Although the family appeared to understand the directive, they abandoned the arrangement and continued with the funeral service. The royal kraal's representatives returned to the homestead on Saturday, reiterating that the burial could not take place at the homestead.
The deceased's husband, Ndani Shabangu, expressed shock and disappointment at the development, citing the substantial expenses incurred and preparations made for the burial at the homestead. He questioned why his wife could not be buried alongside other relatives at the established family gravesite. The family intends to engage with the royal kraal to seek clarity and find a way forward.
Mkhonta emphasized that the issue was not specific to the Shabangu family but part of a broader burial arrangement in Ndzingeni. Residents had been informed about the designated burial sites on multiple occasions, and the community had benchmarked its burial arrangements against those of other chiefdoms. The dispute has sparked mixed reactions in the community, with some residents expressing sympathy for the bereaved family.
Some community members have called for dialogue between the family and the royal kraal, seeking a resolution that considers both established community practices and the family's concerns. The incident has highlighted the challenges of balancing traditional practices with community regulations. The Shabangu family's situation has garnered attention, and it remains to be seen how the matter will be resolved.
The Ndzingeni Royal Kraal has distanced itself from claims that it stopped the funeral, stating that it merely directed the family to comply with the established community burial protocol. The incident has raised questions about the role of traditional authorities in regulating community practices and the need for clear communication and understanding between all parties involved.
Key points
- The Ndzingeni Royal Kraal directed the Shabangu family to bury their relative at a designated community cemetery instead of the homestead.
- The family had incurred substantial expenses and made preparations for the burial at the homestead.
- The dispute has sparked mixed reactions in the community, with some residents calling for dialogue between the family and the royal kraal.
