The Kekana Royal Family has removed Cornelius Kgomotso Kekana as the Chief of the Kekana Tribe in Majaneng, Hammanskraal yesterday.
A source closer to the family said the Chief was removed after allegations of corruption, embezzlement of funds and working closer with friends than he did with the family.
“Tomorrow (Saturday 22 July) the community is called to a meeting for a public announcement at Majaneng, 14:30, at Selosetsha Sports Ground. On Sunday, the Royal Family will meet to chart the way forward.
“The Chief was removed after the family observed that his friends are enjoying royal benefits more than the royal family and together with his friends they were now planning to embezzle funds from the land claim,” said the source.
The Kekana family is involved in one of the biggest and expensive land claims in the country which is at its final stages.
The source said all legal processes were followed to ensure that the Royal Family was operating within the law in removing the Chief.
The ousted Chief was holding he throne in an acting capacity, a role he inherited from his father who was also in an acting capacity.
The rightful heir is unable to take up the throne because of being a woman, which is against the Ndebele culture for a woman to ascend to the throne.
“The South African constitutions declares that the Royal Family can appoint or rmove a Chief, however, it does not dictate who should be appointed, as such, government cannot prescribe to the Royal Family who to appoint,” the source added.
The Royal Family therefore has the final say on the removal and appointment of the Chief.
A community member told Moretele Times that upon hearing the news, there was ululating in the community, a sign of celebration that the acting Chief has been unseated.
Gates remained locked at the Royal House with guards roaming the yard.
