By Celani Sikhakhane
- Minister Ntshavheni told a Cabinet briefing she would never speak isiZulu until King Misuzulu speaks Tshivhenda, drawing a sharp rebuke from the royal household.
- Royal Chancellor Inkosi Malusi Zondi said Ntshavheni’s office serves as a link between government and traditional leadership and all engagements must be conducted with respect and dignity.
Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni made a promise at an official government briefing. The Zulu Royal Kingdom wants her to take it back.
Ntshavheni was heckled at an illegal immigrants protest in Vosloorus when the crowd pushed her to speak isiZulu while she addressed their demands. She left angry.
At a Cabinet media briefing she told the nation she would never speak isiZulu until King Misuzulu kaZwelithini speaks Tshivhenda, Sepedi and Shangaan.
The palace hit back.
Zulu Monarch’s Royal Chancellor Inkosi Malusi Zondi said the minister should have handled the matter differently. Her office, he reminded her, exists to connect government with traditional leadership structures across the country.
“The office of the Minister in the Presidency carries an important responsibility. It serves as a critical link between the people of South Africa and key institutions including the traditional leadership,” said Zondi.
“As such it is essential that all engagements are conducted with utmost respect, dignity and adherence to established protocols.”
He said any misunderstanding can be resolved in a way that honours the dignity of King Misuzulu and the institution of traditional leadership.
Ntshavheni has not responded to the Royal Kingdom’s concerns. The Presidency has also not commented.
Ntshavheni had also accused the anti-illegal immigration protests of being driven along tribal and Zulu language lines. March and March activists Ngizwe Mchunu and Phakelumthakathi Ndabandaba shut that down, saying the protests involved South Africans across all tribes and provinces without discrimination.
Pictured above: Zulu Royal Kingdom has expressed concern over Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni’s comments directed at King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
Image source: GCIS
