By Celani Sikhakhane
· King Misuzulu says the South African Broadcasting Corporation must stop using outsiders and “dumb professors” to speak on Zulu matters.
· He moved the Royal Reed Dance to a new palace for the first time in over 40 years, and it was a big success.
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has come out strongly against what he says is disrespect to the Zulu royal family by the South African Broadcasting Corporation.
Speaking at the Royal Reed Dance on Saturday at Mashobeni Royal Palace in Pongola, he criticised the broadcaster for using people outside the Zulu nation to comment on Zulu culture and royal affairs.
His comments were mainly directed at cultural commentator Professor Musa Xulu, who he said insulted him on national television.
“I’m warning the SABC from using Professor Musa Xulu to lambaste the Zulu nation,” said the King.
“We have many experts within the Zulu nation who can speak for us. This thing of using dumb professors and white people to comment on Zulu matters must stop.”
This year’s Reed Dance was held at Mashobeni Royal Palace for the first time, after being hosted at eNyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma for more than 40 years.
The King admitted he was nervous about moving the ceremony to a new venue, fearing it might not be a success.
But the event drew a large crowd and was attended by high-profile guests, including Rain Queen Modjadji VIII, former president Jacob Zuma, United Democratic Movement leader and Deputy Minister of Defense General Bantu Holomisa, members of the eSwatini royal family and others.
Zuma stole the spotlight when he arrived, as excited maidens cheered and ran to greet him.
The ceremony was led by King Misuzulu’s fiancée, Sihle kaMdhluli, and his daughter, Princess Tensindiso kaMisuzulu.
The KwaZulu-Natal government spent R12 million on the event.
The King also made it clear that no politician would be allowed to speak at the event.
“This is a cultural ceremony, not a political one,” he said.
Pictured above: Zulu Maidens
Image source: Celani Sikhakhane
