By Celani Sikhakhane
The ANC attempted to repair the rift in its relationship with Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini by honouring the late Prince Mcwayizeni kaSolomon, who acted as regent for King Zwelithini between 1968 and 1971.
The delegation was led by ANC national executive committee member Sindi Chikunga and other senior women leaders who spent the day at the palace of kwaNxangiphilile in Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal.
Chikunga said that as the ANC celebrated Freedom Month, they decided to go back to the ancestors of the party, the Zulu royal family.
She said Prince Mcwayizeni was among the leaders of the ANC who blessed the organisation after its unbanning in 1992.
He was also the cousin of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the late traditional prime minister to the Zulu King.
In 1971 he was forced to step down as the regent to make way for King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.
At that time he was accused of refusing to step down to allow the 21-year-old king to ascend to the throne in 1971.
The ANC visit to honour him came as the organisation is embroiled in a bitter fight with King Misuzulu over his appointment of Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi as his traditional prime minister.
The ANC leadership publicly rebuked King Misuzulu over the appointment and told him they don’t recognise the role because the position has never existed and is not in the Constitution.
However, the Zulu royal family hit back saying the position has existed since the reign of King Shaka in the early 1800s, whose prime minister was Ngomane.
In a statement, ANC KZN provincial secretary Bheki Mtolo said that Prince Mcwayizeni dedicated his life to the ANC without fear.
“He was elected as a member of the ANC national executive committee in 1992. He was a fearless leader who campaigned for the ANC during the most difficult periods in our history.
“He dedicated his life to the ANC in line with the teachings of Honorary President, King Dinuzulu [kaCetshwayo], who donated 10 cows during the formation of the party,” said Mtolo.
The ANC leaders gave two cows as a gift to the king.
Senior Prince Mbonisi Zulu of the eKhwezi royal house thanked the ANC leaders for remembering Prince Mcwayozeni’s role in the movement.
Pictured above: Queen MaNtombela of the Zulu royal family with top ANC top leaders at kwaNxangiphilile palace in Nongoma.
Image source: Supplied
