Celani Sikhakhane
The ANC Chair in the Inkosi Bhambatha region has defended the party’s use of the divisive “Ziyakhala” phrase in the runup to the local elections.
Lucky Moloi says it’s a historical term which has never been associated with violence.
This puts him at odds with the National Prosecution Authority (NPA), which described the Ziyakhala phrase in Randburg magistrate court as the key factor behind the rioting and looting in July.
Speaking in front of party members in Nquthu, he said “there’s no war historically or violence that is associated with this phrase. That is why we are using it and people always go crazy and become happier once you start to use ‘Ziyakhala’”.
Moloi’s Grand Cherokee Jeep has the Ziyakhala phrase painted across it with ANC colours.
As Moloi pointed out, other parties have picked up the phrase too. IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa has used it in his election campaign and EFF leader Julius Malema set the Twitter abuzz last week when he signed off with the phrase “Ziyakhala”.
Moloi said the phrase is normally used by rural black people whenever they are enjoying themselves.
Ngizwe Mchunu, the former uKhozi FM DJ and SABC 1 Roots presenter who is attributed with popularising the phrase, has also dismissed the accusation that it incites violence.
Mchunu is an outspoken proponent of former President Jacob Zuma, and was arrested for inciting violence following widespread civil unrest across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng in July.
Mchunu, who was invited to entertain the ANC supporters in Nquthu on Friday, told Scrolla.Africa that the slogan is powerful and does not carry any violent message.
“First of all, I need to make it clear that the Ayikhale does not belong to me but it’s a slang that we use as amabhinca and as rural people when we feel happy and are enjoying [a] particular moment.”
