Crucial to reclaim legitimate royal lineage of amaXhosa-expert

As South Africa celebrated Heritage Day, academic and heritage expert Dr George Tsibani yesterday asserted that amaXhosa omthonyama, or real Xhosas, were under siege and were being sidelined by government.

- Brian Sokutu

Tsibani said it was "critical to acknowledge the colonial narrative which has suppressed and replaced the royal monarchy of amaXhosa", with amaXhosa omthonyama who are facing challenges.

He said the Royal House of Nkosiyamntu - a vital part of the amaXhosa royal monarchy - "has been particularly affected by these narratives which oversimplify amaXhosa history, creating harmful divisions within the kingdom".

"The emphasis on pseudo-ethnicities, like amaNdlambe, amaGcaleka and amaRharhabe, has contributed to the erosion of the amaXhosa's rich cultural heritage.