Traditional leaders upset over MEC Duma's defiance of Zulu prime minister
Traditional leaders in KZN say Saturday’s incident between MEC Siboniso Duma and Zulu traditional prime minister Thulasizwe Buthelezi was unfortunate.
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini is welcomed by KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube and ANC provincial chairperson Siboniso Duma ahead of the KZN State of the Province Address in Pietermaritzburg on 28 February 2024. Picture: X/@ANCKZN
DURBAN - Traditional leaders in Kwazulu-Natal 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.
Buthelezi, who is also mayor of the Inkatha Freedom Party-led Zululand District Municipality, was informing President Cyril Ramaphosa, who was also in attendance, about something linked to the KwaZulu-Natal ANC leadership.
But he could not finish as he was disrupted.
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Some traditional leaders in the province have expressed disappointment over the incident.
Duma previously said he didn't recognise Buthelezi as the prime minister, saying that he was appointed by the king.
Traditionally, no one is allowed to disagree with the Zulu monarch.
Speaking to journalists, the leader of the regiments, Sipho Mhlongo, said: “Your Majesty, we express our apologies to you. What happened should have not happened. We are also apologise to 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 Thursday to discuss an action plan on the issue.