By Zukile Majova
Political tensions between the ANC and the IFP in KwaZulu-Natal have been increasing for the past two years.
For the first time in history, the IFP is being embraced by communities in ANC strongholds, and young, modern people are flocking to IFP rallies.
While the ANC has been battling to retain urban black middle-class support, the once-backward, traditionalist IFP has been sprucing up its image and winning them over.
The IFP is no longer a regional force in the backwaters of Zululand, and is now running important urban areas across the province, including Richards Bay.
The Three Elephants, as the party is affectionately known, have been marching across the province winning by-elections without much effort.
Meanwhile, the ANC has ventured to the north of the province to strike a blow in the belly of the IFP, helping the National Freedom Party, a splinter party of the IFP, to take over Nongoma Municipality.
Political violence in KZN is never a figment of one’s imagination.
Last September, Police Minister Bheki Cele told the nation that some 52 councillors had been killed in the province since 2018, while an SAPS task force was investigating over 300 cases of political violence, including 155 murders.
During the same period, Cele said 103 municipal officials and political office-bearers were also killed.
So KZN has been on a political knife-edge long before the arrival of Jacob Zuma’s fire-breathing uMkhonto weSizwe party.
But with the arrival of this lot, who are already threatening political violence that would make the July riots look like a Sunday picnic, everyone should be concerned.
These newcomers say they will not accept anything short of victory in KZN and are already challenging the IEC, the judiciary and the security forces to a street fight.
But there is one important aspect of the Zulu nation. The nation still respects its traditional authorities under the leadership of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
If this simmering cauldron of political tensions threatens to boil over, His Majesty will be South Africa’s last hope to halt the carnage.
As thousands looted retailers and burned shops and trucks in KZN in July 2021, it was King Misuzulu who called for an end to the riots.
“I appeal for calm; for peace to be restored,” he said.
“I call on our people to lead by example and not allow politics to change the dignity of our nation to be led to destruction. We are better than this. Let us respect the rule of law, and ensure order returns.”
You get the feeling we will need His Majesty’s guidance to manage political tensions over the next two months.
Pictured above: King Misuzulu kaZwelithini is still respected as the most important traditional leader by the Zulu nation.
Source: Supplied
