KZN traditional leaders weigh in on MEC Duma's 'embarrassing' behaviour at King Dinuzulu commemoration

DURBAN - Traditional leaders in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) have weighed in on the controversy between MEC Siboniso Duma and Zulu Traditional Prime Minister Thulasizwe Buthelezi labelling it as embarrassing.

On Saturday, during the King Dinuzulu commemoration, Duma snatched the microphone from Buthelezi, who was on the podium and accused him of hijacking the ceremony.

READ: KENNETH MOKGATLHE: Siboniso Duma’s actions a blight on ANC wooing KZN voters

Buthelezi, who is also mayor of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP)-led Zululand District Municipality, was informing President Ramaphosa, who was also in attendance, about something linked to the KZN ANC leadership.

But he could not finish as he was disrupted.

Some traditional leaders in the province have expressed disappointment over the incident.

Traditional leaders, including leaders of regiments, said Saturday’s incident between MEC Siboniso Duma and Thulasizwe Buthelezi was unfortunate.

They also weighed in on the fact that Duma previously said he did not recognise Buthelezi as prime minister, saying that he was appointed by the king.

And traditionally, no one is allowed to disagree with the Zulu monarch.

The leader of the regiments, Sipho Mhlongo, spoke to journalists.

“Your Majesty, we express our apologies to you. What happened should have not happened. We also apologise to the president, President Cyril Ramaphosa, for also having witnessed such. It was indeed unfortunate.”

At the same time, the House of Traditional Leaders has summoned chiefs and headsmen to Ulundi on Wednesday, on what it terms an action plan on the issue.