Tensions Erupt At Commemoration Of Former Zulu King’s Death As ANC Chair And PM Clash

Tensions ran high at the commemoration of the death of former Zulu King Dinuzulu Kacetshwayo in Kwaceza, Nongoma, as the chairperson of the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal, Siboniso Duma, and Amazulu Traditional Prime Minister Thulasizwe Buthelezi clashed.

The incident occurred during the introduction of Amazulu King Misuzulu Kazwelithini by Buthelezi, who accused the ANC in the province of disrespecting the king. Duma swiftly intervened, accusing Buthelezi of hijacking the government event for political gain.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Legal Battle For The Zulu Throne: Misrepresentation And Flawed Processes

Duma appealed for the provincial government of KZN to emulate the example set by King Misuzulu Kazwelithini in respecting their king. However, the altercation escalated, with Duma grabbing the microphone from Buthelezi, leading to disruptions and commotion.

WATCH: This is the incident at KwaCeza near Ulundi whereby MEC Siboniso Duma (from ANC) stood up and grabbed the microphone from Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi (from IFP), the traditional prime Minister of the Zulu nation. This was at KwaCeza a short while ago where the provincial… pic.twitter.com/u68xKrnG5m

— Sihle Mavuso (@ZANewsFlash) March 16, 2024

 Prince Vanana Zulu, leader of the Zulu regiments, called for political tolerance and emphasized the need for respect and cooperation between government officials and traditional leaders.

The incident has raised concerns about political tensions and the need for collaboration between the ANC, government, and traditional leaders. The ANC provincial chairperson’s open defiance of the Zulu nation’s prime minister has sparked debate on protocol and the role of traditional leaders in government events.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Mayor Gwamanda Gives Speech In Commemoration Of Youth Day

The appointment of Thulasizwe Buthelezi as the prime minister by the Zulu king in January has been met with opposition from the ANC provincial leadership, who have accused him of abusing his mayoral position.

The incident at the commemoration event highlights the challenges and complexities of political and traditional leadership dynamics in KwaZulu-Natal.