Celani Sikhakhane
The IFP has come under heavy criticism for using pictures of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini in its local government election campaign.
The pictures, shared by the party’s communication team on several social media platforms, caused such an outcry that the IFP has been forced to apologise.
Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi has been accused, among other things, of using King Misuzulu as his “puppet” to advance his political agenda.
IFP spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa apologised in a statement and said the aim was to support traditional leadership.
“Earlier today, as part of the IFP’s local government election social media campaign, an infographic in support of traditional leadership was released with a photo of His Majesty, the King of the Zulu Nation,” Hlengwa’s apology began.
“This photo was erroneously used. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to His Majesty, the Royal Family, and to the Traditional Prime Minister of the Zulu Nation and Monarch,” said Hlengwa, adding that disciplinary action will be taken against implicated staff members.
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has had Buthelezi’s support since the day he was announced as the next in line to the throne.
But Buthelezi’s critics have accused the politician on many occasions of using the Zulu nation and the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu to draw support for the IFP.
Royal family spokesperson Prince Thulani Zulu says the Zulu King and the royal family have never been used for any political agenda and that they ask all parties to refrain from using the King’s image for their political election campaigns.
