According to documentation related to Ngoza Mvelase’s banishment, community conflict in the Msinga District, Natal [now KwaZulu-Natal] in previous years resulted in 40 deaths, the burning of over 1,000 huts and the theft of more than 500 livestock.
Mvelase, the Chief of the Thembu community, was “generally suspected of complicity in the hostile acts committed against members of the Baso” community. He was suspended and thereafter allegedly “hampered” the Acting Chief’s, Mzweningi Mvelase, efforts to “re-establishing the tribal administration.” Despite imposing fines, promulgating emergency regulation and sending in the police, conflict continued. This, it was argued, was due to Mvelase’s presence.
He was also accused of being the instigator of several murders and hostile actions in previous years. It was stated that it was impossible to obtain evidence against him due to intimidation, since “to furnish information to the responsible authorities is to court death and misfortune. It was, thus, motivated that Ngoza Mvelase should be banished.”
He was banished to Port Shepstone, Natal [now KwaZulu-Natal] on 22 July 1976.
A memo dated 6 January 1981 stated that a revocation order was in the process of being prepared.
His order was withdrawn on 2 April 1981, as conditions in Msinga were reportedly peaceful again.
• Contribution by Professor S. Badat on Banishment, Rhodes University, 2012. From the book, Forgotten People - Political Banishment under Apartheid by Professor S. Badat