Chief Dakamela Sets the Record Straight: Princess Was a Guest, Not a "Gift"

Chief Dakamela

NKAYI – Chief Mbusi Dakamela of Nkayi has moved to quell a firestorm of social media speculation following the Imiklomelo ka Dakamela 2026 cultural festival held over the Easter weekend. Reports circulating on platforms like X and WhatsApp claimed the 29-year-old traditional leader had been "presented" with a wife, Princess Andile Mabhena, as a symbolic gift from the Manala Royal Family of South Africa.

In a clarifying interview with local media, Chief Dakamela expressed concern over how traditional proceedings were being viewed through a modern, often distorted lens. He emphasized that while the Manala Royal Family (Southern Ndebele from Mpumalanga) were distinguished guests, the idea of a person being gifted is an antiquated misrepresentation of the event's goals.

“It is not correct to say a person can be presented as a gift in this day and age, let alone a princess,” Chief Dakamela stated. “The Mabhena royal family was among those showcasing their culture... She [Princess Andile] was carrying a gift on behalf of her family, which they presented to Chief Dakamela.”

The Chief noted that while the visiting delegation expressed warm wishes for his future, including the hope that he might have a wife by the next festival, no marriage arrangement was formalized during the ceremony.

Princess Andile Mabhena, identified in some reports as a "virgin bride" presented to unite the kingdoms, has also issued a firm rebuttal. She described the online claims as "false and misleading," asserting that her presence in Nkayi was strictly as a guest and cultural representative of King Makhosoke Mabhena’s house.

Chief Dakamela added a touch of modern diplomacy to the situation, acknowledging the Princess's beauty but stressing the importance of mutual consent.

“If there were wishes for her to be the chief’s wife, I would have to pursue her, but the decision rests with her. She has the right to choose as she sees fit,” he added.

Despite the controversy, the 2026 edition of Imiklomelo ka Dakamela (The Dakamela Awards) has been hailed as a massive success for rural tourism. The event drew thousands of attendees and high-profile royals, including:

• Prince Thulani: Representing King Misuzulu kaZwelithini of the Zulu Nation.

• King Papa Paul Sande Emolot III: The Iteso Paramount Chief from Uganda.

• King Bulelani Khumalo: Descendant of King Lobengula.

• Hon. Emily Jesaya: Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture.

The festival, established in 2023, continues to position Nkayi as a "model for community-driven cultural tourism," even as it navigates the complexities of traditional symbolism in a digital age.

Chief Dakamela's wife gift claim 2026