A customary law expert in the Vhavenda throne battle has told the High Court in Polokwane, Limpopo, that no court has the responsibility to amend any criteria within the customary law regarding succession.

Zamokuhle Mupayi is giving her evidence in chief, led by Adv. Shoni Ravele.

In the Mphephu-Ramabulana customs, only a male person can ascend the throne.

Princess Masindi Mphephu is challenging her uncle and former Vhavenda king, Prince Toni Mphephu-Ramabulana, to ascend the throne.

Mupayi says all amendments to the customary law are the responsibility of the royal council.

“The Supreme Court (of Appeals) in the Mphephu matter has found that the criteria that only man succeed the throne is invalid, she proceeded and said the development should be done by the community itself, it is not for the court anticipate who to succeed to the development of customary law the amendments must be community driven.”

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