Celani Sikhakhane
The ANC and SACP in KwaZulu-Natal have warned the new Zulu king to be careful not to become a “puppet” of former IFP president Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
The ruling party is concerned that Buthelezi is using his position as the traditional prime minister to the Zulu kingdom to mobilise for the IFP ahead of the coming local government elections. These are likely to be postponed due to Covid.
Senior government officials took to their social media pages questioning King Misuzulu’s association with Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
Kwazi Mthethwa, who is the spokesperson for KZN education MEC Kwazi Mshengu, wrote on his Facebook page: “who will liberate King Misuzulu from that politician Gatsha Buthelezi?”
Then Khaye Nkwanyane, who is the senior advisor to the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Nomalungelo Gina, echoed Mthethwa’s remarks.
Mthethwa wrote: “Who will liberate King Misuzulu kaZwelithini from that politician called Gatsha Buthelezi?”
Mthethwa told Scrolla.Africa that everyone has a right to an opinion.
“Even the late former president Nelson Mandela faced much criticism. The king is not immune. Also I have a right to have my own opinion about the king,” said Mthethwa.
He told Scrolla.Africa that it’s time for King Misuzulu to get rid of Buthelezi.
“Remember that Buthelezi fought for the ascension of King Misuzulu ‘s father King Zwelithini to the throne successfully, and he then later used that latitude to micromanage the king,” said Mthethwa.
“He even used King Zwelithini’s status during those dark days of apartheid to push his own IFP political agenda.”
He said the plan worked for Buthelezi because every Zulu person was automatically regarded as an IFP member.
“It’s time for King Misuzulu to make sure that he doesn’t allow himself to be turned into the puppet of Buthelezi.”
