Manala Mbhongo Traditional Council

About Our Kingdom

Our Rich Heritage

His Majesty King Makhosonke II is The Heir of the Ndebele Nation since 1986 and his Coronation was in the same year.
His Majesty is passionate about education and skills development and through His Foundation He has personally made sure that more than 100 learners obtained bachelors degrees. The education foundation has seen students obtain Masters degrees as well, their PHDs. His Majesty continues to be a part of other initiatives whose main aim is to uplift his people, his communities and South African at large.

The Manala Mbhongo Traditional Council represents a proud lineage of leadership and cultural preservation that spans generations. Our kingdom, nestled in the heart of our ancestral lands, stands as a testament to the resilience and wisdom of our people.

For centuries, the Manala Mbhongo have upheld traditions that connect us to our land, our ancestors, and our shared identity. Our council serves as the custodian of these traditions, ensuring they are passed down to future generations while adapting to the changing times.

Our leadership structure is built on principles of consultation, consensus, and community welfare. The council comprises elders, advisors, and representatives from various clans and families, all working together to guide our people toward prosperity and harmony.

We take pride in our cultural ceremonies, from harvest festivals to rites of passage, which strengthen our community bonds and reaffirm our connection to the natural world. These traditions are not merely performances but living practices that shape our identity and values.

Our Royal Heritage

Highness Mkhutshwa Solly (Saul) Mabena

Chairperson of the Manala Mbhongo Traditional Council

His Highness Mkhutshwa Solly (Saul) Mabena, was born on May 20, 1965, in Allemansdrift B, a place known as KwaMbhongo at Allemanskraal. He is the third child and the second son of the esteemed Late King William Mbhongo II and the revered Late Queen Helen Sonengani Mabena. His heritage is deeply embedded in the traditions of the Manala Mbhongo people, and he has carried this legacy forward with dedication, wisdom, and an unshakable sense of duty to his people.

His early life was shaped by the values of responsibility and industriousness, instilled in him by his family and community. He began his education at Mbhongo Combined Primary School, continuing on to Babutheni Higher Secondary School, where he not only excelled academically but also embraced the diverse aspects of cultural and physical activities.

Upon completing his matric, His Highness began his career in the Missionary Centre of Saterland, where he worked as a clerk. This role allowed him to serve his community while developing administrative skills that would later benefit his work in leadership.

His Highness's dedication to public service took root early, and his career has been marked by his tireless advocacy for his community. As the Headman Coordinator under the Manala Mbhongo Traditional Council, he played a pivotal role in ensuring the welfare of his people and the preservation of their customs.

Beyond his public service, he has been a devoted husband to Her Highness Letty Khabonina Mahlangu, and together, they are blessed with two daughters and one son. The pride of his life includes his role as a grandfather to two beloved grandchildren.

Letty Khabonina Mahlangu Mabena

Royal Chairwoman and Cultural Custodian

Her Highness Letty Khabonina Mahlangu Mabena is a devoted Royal Matriarch who has dedicated her life to community development and cultural preservation. As Royal Chairwoman, she has been instrumental in revitalizing traditional crafts within the kingdom and establishing initiatives that support artisans practicing beadwork, pottery, and weaving.

Her advocacy for women's rights and education has been transformative. The Queen's initiatives have dramatically increased school attendance among girls and provided mentorship programs for young women in the community.

Her Highness is also known for her work in healthcare advocacy, establishing programs that serve remote areas of the kingdom and working to reduce maternal mortality rates through education and access to prenatal care.

A mother of three and grandmother, Her Highness balances her royal duties with family life while continuing to be a cultural ambassador for the Manala Mbhongo Traditional Council.