By Anita Dangazele
- The king shouted “voetsek Cyril” and called top African National Congress leaders “sell-outs” during a speech that went viral.
- His daughter says he was angry after floods killed over 100 people and left many homeless while leaders went on holiday.
Abathembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo says he will not say sorry after swearing at President Cyril Ramaphosa and other African National Congress leaders.
The king spoke at an Economic Freedom Fighters rally in the Western Cape. He called President Ramaphosa and Premier Oscar Mabuyane “sell-outs” and led people in shouting “voetsek Cyril”.
A video of his speech spread fast on social media.
His daughter, Princess Ntando, spoke for him this week. She said he meant every word.
“The king stands by everything he said in that speech,” she said. “He used strong language, but only because he was very angry.”
She explained that “voetsek” means “go away” and another word he used, “mpundu”, means “bums” or “cushions”.
She said the king was angry because people in his area were badly affected by floods. Many lost their homes, and more than 100 people died. But while this was happening, Mabuyane went on holiday and later held a big fancy event.
Princess Ntando said the king had tried many times to speak to Ramaphosa and had begged Mabuyane for help, but no one listened.
“He will not apologise. He was just using his right to speak freely,” she said.
African National Congress leader Andile Mini wrote an open letter to the king. He said the words were “rude and shameful” and not what people expect from a traditional leader.
Other traditional leaders, including Jingiso Mgudlwa, also said the king’s speech was wrong.
Two royal families, Amandungwana and Hlanga, want the king to write a public apology.
But Economic Freedom Fighters leader Simthembile Madikizela defended the king. He said the king was deeply hurt by the way people were treated after the floods.
Pictured above: Abathembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo with Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema.
Image source: EFF
