Chief Edward Moefi Mabalane is under intense scrutiny due to allegations of misappropriating R46 million from the National Skills Fund (NSF).
This scandal has not only drawn the attention of authorities investigating the misuse of public money but has also intensified a family conflict regarding his claim to the Baphiring throne.
The controversy centers on an NSF-funded project aimed at providing agricultural skills to over 1,000 unemployed youths in Mabaalstad, North West. Mabalane’s company, Medirwe Investments, was contracted to manage the initiative, while Beyond Expectations was responsible for implementing the project, which was set to start in March 2024.
However, after the second payment of R5 million was transferred to Medirwe Investments on December 12, 2023, the funds appear to have been diverted to support Mabalane’s personal spending.
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Evidence suggests that extravagant purchases were made soon after the payment, including R56,000 at a Bryanston nightclub, R100,000 at a Rosebank restaurant, and R200,000 at a Louis Vuitton store in Sandton.
Additional spending included R180,000 for an engagement ring for his fiancée, Brinnette Seopela, a former star of The Real Housewives of Johannesburg, along with a lavish engagement celebration featuring high-end champagne.
When questioned about the spending, Mabalane reportedly blamed the NSF, claiming the funds were mistakenly deposited into his general business account instead of a dedicated NSF account, and were therefore used for “other business activities.” This explanation has done little to ease the public’s anger over the misused funds, which were meant to provide valuable skills training.
In addition to the financial scandal, Mabalane is now facing a legal challenge to his claim to the Baphiring chieftaincy. His older sister, Ingrid Mabalane, is disputing his right to the throne, asserting that she, as the firstborn, is the rightful heir.
The long-standing family conflict was brought to court when Ingrid sought permission to bury her late son, Albert Rasibitse, at their ancestral home.
In her legal application, she outlined the history of the dispute, stating: “When my father passed away, Moefi took over as chief, despite knowing that South African law favors the firstborn as the rightful successor. I was prevented from assuming my rightful position, which led me to leave the royal family and seek work in Gauteng to avoid further conflict.”
Ingrid explained that her relationship with her brother had been strained ever since, and she accused him of refusing to allow her son to be buried at the royal family graveyard.
She claimed that Moefi’s refusal stemmed from his reluctance to acknowledge her son as part of the royal family. He also rejected the idea of holding the funeral at their parents’ home, disregarding calls to honor Baphiring traditions.
On October 2, acting North West Judge President Andre Petersen ruled in Ingrid’s favor, instructing Moefi to allow her son to be buried in the Baphiring royal graveyard in Rustenburg.
Moefi has yet to publicly respond to this decision.
With both the NSF investigation and the chieftaincy dispute ongoing, Chief Mabalane’s future as both a leader and public figure is in jeopardy. The outcome of these challenges will have a lasting impact on his leadership and legacy.
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