Chief Dakamela has rejected social media claims that he was presented with a wife as a “gift” during the Imiklomelo ka Dakamela 2026 cultural festival held in Nkayi.
Posts circulating online suggested the traditional leader had “acquired” a wife, Princess Andile Mabhena.
In an interview with CITE, Chief Dakamela described the claims as a misrepresentation of cultural proceedings at the event.
He said the Mabhena royal family, who had been invited to attend the festival, were showcasing their culture through traditional attire and symbolic gestures.
“Yesterday (Saturday) was a beautiful day. Many royals were in attendance, showcasing their culture and traditions. The Mabhena royal family was among those presenting their culture,” he said.
The chief stressed that no individual had been presented as a gift, adding that such an interpretation was inaccurate and inappropriate.
“It is not correct to say a person can be presented as a gift in this day and age, let alone a princess,” he said.
He explained that Princess Andile Mabhena was part of a delegation that formally presented a gift to him, and that her role in the ceremony may have been misunderstood.
“They did not present a person. She was carrying a gift on behalf of her family, which they presented to Chief Dakamela. During the presentation, they wished our family well and expressed hope to return next year, possibly when the chief may have a wife,” he said.
Addressing the public interest surrounding the princess, Chief Dakamela said any potential relationship would depend on mutual consent.
“The princess is very beautiful, and that may have drawn attention. If there were wishes for her to be the chief’s wife, I would have to pursue her,” he said.
“But the decision rests with her. She has the right to choose as she sees fit.”
In a separate statement, Princess Andile Mabhena also dismissed the reports, describing them as false and misleading.
She said she had attended the festival solely as an invited guest and rejected suggestions that she had been presented as a “gift” or wife to the chief.
“These claims are completely untrue, baseless and a misrepresentation of both my identity and the purpose of my presence at the event,” she said.
Princess Mabhena said the allegations were “factually incorrect” and “disrespectful”, and called on media platforms and individuals to verify information before publishing or sharing it.
She urged those who had shared the claims to retract them and refrain from further dissemination, adding that she remained committed to upholding her dignity and values.
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