Celani Sikhakhane
A perception that the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal was at odds with Zulu Monarch King Misuzulu kaZwelithini may have cost the party dearly at the polls.
The ANC government stripped the king of his VIP protection while the provincial government refused to release the king’s annual budget.
The ruling party also failed to invite the king to the opening of the KZN Legislature and this may have angered many people in the province.
ANC leaders who spoke on condition of anonymity with Scrolla.Africa said concerns were raised when there were clear signs of disapproval when the ANC government stripped the king of his VIP protection unit.
“KZN people are very conservative and hold their king in high regard. The current leaders do not understand how leaders like former president Jacob Zuma fought to gain proximity to the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.
“That strategy worked for the ANC and we saw serious growth in the province. It helped leaders like Dr Sbu Ndebele and Dr Zweli Mkhize to win KZN in 2004 from the IFP and gained total control of key municipalities and districts in 2006,” said one leader.
The ANC shocked many after it was revealed that some of its leaders wanted King Misuzulu to be stripped of his R65 million annual budget.
For the first time in history, the ANC government withdrew its support for the Zulu Royal annual events, including the famous King Shaka celebration, Reed Dance, UMkhosi woSelwa, the Anglo Zulu war Isandlwane Commemoration among others.
On the eve of the local elections, IFP founder Mangosuthu Buthelezi appeared to be the main pillar of the king and the Zulu monarch.
Buthelezi’s posture as an elderly statesman during these upheavals at the Zulu Royal Family revived his popularity and pulled the crown closer to the IFP.
The rejuvenation of the IFP, whose campaign was led by Buthelezi, is a direct result of months of smart maneuvering by its founder.
The ANC has suffered a huge blow after they lost many local and district municipalities to the IFP, DA and the NFP.
ANC KZN spokesperson, Nhlakanipho Ntombela said they still want to do the induction to check where they made mistakes.
“As the ANC we will self introspect and fix our mistakes,” said Ntombela.
Image source: KZN Government
