By Celani Sikhakhane
Tension took centre stage among government leaders at the 145th commemoration of the battle of Isandlwana in Nquthu, KZN after the provincial government was accused of refusing to fund the event and bullying local mayors.
Fuming Nquthu mayor Lindokuhle Shabalala told Scrolla.Africa that the provincial government refused to fix the gravel road to iSandlwana Mountain ahead of the commemoration.
He said provincial government officials only came on the day of the event and even refused to allow municipal tents that were provided for communities to be erected at the venue.
“They told us that they don’t have any money so they wouldn’t fund the event. We had to cater for hundreds of regiments with accommodation who arrived here on Wednesday to perform the rituals.
“We put up tents and went out of our jurisdiction to fix the provincial routes because they claim they don’t have money. We also provided 50 minibus taxis for communities to attend this event. They only erected the marquee for members of parliament and politicians, and a small one for the king,”
Shabalala said as the host municipality, officials were supposed to play their role but on the day he was even blocked from welcoming the guests.
“They even refused to allow me to sit with them and the king. I had to drive from my office and I sat with them even though they didn’t want me there. They need to put politics aside in these things and allow all of us to work in unity and peace,” said Shabalala.
Department of Arts and Culture spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal, Nathi Oliphant, said they ran out of money because of inflation.
“We budget for these events but due to inflation we had challenges to fully fund the battle of Isandlwana commemoration. On 18 January, which was last week, we met at the Mazibuko traditional authority with government and municipal authorities to discuss our challenges. The Nquthu municipal manager volunteered to help fund some of the programmes,” said Oliphant.
He said eThekwini municipality assisted in transporting regiments coming from Durban. And he said royal protocol was controlled by the royal family, including who should sit next to the king.
He commended Nquthu municipality for their sterling job in organising the impressive event and coming on board to bail out the provincial government.
Pictured above: Tensions rise at the battle of Isandlwana commemoration as the provincial government was accused of bullying and refused to fund the Zulu nation’s event.
Image source: Celani Sikhakhane
