Benson Ntlemo

Benson Ntlemo

A row has erupted between the Gaza Kingdom, led by Hosi Eric Mpisana Nxumalo, and the Mopani District Municipality over claims that the municipality intends relocating to Tzaneen.

Hosi Nxumalo has made a claim to the Nhlapo Commission that he is the king of the Gaza people.

A letter from Hosi Samuel Nxumalo - in Sowetan's possession - requested a meeting today with the mayor's office to discuss the issue.

"This issue has been on people's lips for some time now and we have come to realise that there is substance to it," said Ernest Nkanyane, a spokesman for the kingdom.

But Nkanyane said the meeting had been called off after an official from the mayor's office phoned to say the mayor was not available for the rest of this week and that another date should be proposed.

Sowetan was unable to reach the mayor - his phone repeatedly indicated he could not be reached "at this time."

Ready to meet the mayor is an entourage of about ten traditional leaders who are concerned about the possibility of moving the district to Tzaneen.

After the advent of democracy the town, once the capital of the homeland of Gazankulu, was deserted when public servants moved to work in Polokwane.

The statue of warrior king Nghunghunyani that was unveiled by Limpopo premier Sello Moloto is situated in Giyani's tourism centre. The Giyani community is concerned that if the municipal offices were moved, the warrior's statue would be located in a ghost town.