He is originally from the Ndzundza-Mabhoko tribe. He married Nonhlanhla Zulu, sister of the Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini which made him gain the title of Prince within the Zulu community.

Because of his prominent position against the independence movement in the Bantustans, he was targeted as an enemy of the cause. He was also a good target because of his involvement in raids against vigilantes in KwaNdebele. His enemies also targeted attacks against his supporters and people who live under his chieftaincy.

Nakedi Mathews Phosa was born on 1 September 1952 in Mbombela Township, Nelspruit, Eastern Transvaal (now Mpumalanga Province). He grew up with his grandfather in a rural area near Potgietersrus (Mokopane). He was educated at Maripi High School in Acornhoek and matriculated from Orhovelani High School in Thulamahashe. In 1981, he opened a legal practice in Nelspruit.

Sicelo Shiceka was born on 8 June 1966 in the village of Ingquza Hill, near Flagstaff, Lusikisiki in the Eastern Province (now Eastern Cape)