Johnathan Paoli
THE 110th commemoration of historical amaZulu King Dinizulu kaCetshwayo had an awkward moment as tensions arose between the Chairperson of the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal Siboniso Duma and AmaZulu traditional Prime Minister Thulasizwe Buthelezi.
The Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini appointed Thulasizwe Buthelezi as the new Zulu Traditional Prime Minister earlier this year, replacing the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
In his introduction of Misuzulu at KwaCeza in Nongoma in northern KZN on Saturday where the Commemoration was taking place, Buthelezi accused the ANC in the province of disrespecting the King. This prompted Duma who was sitting in the podium to swiftly intervene, by grabbing the microphone away from Buthelezi and accusing him of hijacking the government event for political gain.
Leader of the Zulu regiments Prince Vanana Zulu, however, said Dumas actions were disrespectful and not appreciated by the royal family and the gathered crowds and appealed for political tolerance.
“What happened did not sit well with the regiments as well as people who were attending the event. What happened did not set a good example. This should not happen again, there are many upcoming events,” Zulu said.
Zulu said during upcoming events where the ANC collaborates with government and traditional leaders, they (ANC) should allow the Prime Minister to speak in his capacity as a traditional leader, rather than as an IFP leader.
In his speech Misuzulu thanked President Cyril Ramaphosa, and said that he was standing by the truth by supporting him in his new role as the traditional leader of the Zulu people.
The King expressed his appreciation of Ramaphosa in light of the recent tensions in the Zulu royal family, and the respect he has shown to the Zulu king and nation.
However many have called the tensions during the event an illustration of both the delicate balance between traditional leadership and political roles; as well as that between the ruling party and the IFP in KwaZulu Natal.
INSIDE POLITICS
