Traditional leaders want answers from Mandela over conversion to Islam

Eastern Cape traditional leaders want answers from Nelson Mandela’s grandson Nkosi Zwelivelile 'Mandla' Mandela about why he reportedly converted to Islam when he married a Muslim woman.

Nkosi Zwelivelile ‘Mandla’ Mandela with his bride, Rabia Clarke.

“We reacted with shock on the news of his conversion. We were also very concerned. What we know is that the woman converts, not the man. That is our custom,” Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa provincial chairperson Chief Mwelo Nonkonyane said on Tuesday.

 They were troubled that Mandela married without any traditional leaders present at the ceremony.
“Traditional leaders don’t marry secretly. He should have been represented by the traditional council of Mvezo. He is the leader of people of Mvezo. We are still trying to locate him to get answers,” he said.