Disquiet in S/Africa over Mandela heir conversion to Islam

Traditional leaders in South Africa have expressed “disquiet” over chief Mandla Mandela’s conversion to Islam. The Congress of Traditional Leaders in South Africa (Contralesa) said being Muslim could affect his ability to uphold Xhosa traditions. Mandla Mandela, who converted to Islam late last year, got married in a Cape Town mosque last week. He inherited […]

Traditional leaders in South Africa have expressed “disquiet” over chief Mandla Mandela’s conversion to Islam.
The Congress of Traditional Leaders in South Africa (Contralesa) said being Muslim could affect his ability to uphold Xhosa traditions.
Mandla Mandela, who converted to Islam late last year, got married in a Cape Town mosque last week. He inherited his position as chief of Mvezo in the AbaThembu clan from his grandfather, Nelson Mandela.
“There is nothing wrong with a traditional leader following any faith he chooses but we are concerned about whether he will be able to continue performing his responsibilities as a chief,” Contralesa’s spokesperson Chief Mwelo Nonkonyane said.
Traditional chiefs sometimes lead thanksgiving rituals for ancestors, which would include presenting slaughtered animals to them in prayer. Such practices are not considered to be in line with the beliefs of many Muslims.