The role of royal family members in South African politics keeps causing debate, writes Celani Sikhakhane in Royals Mzansi.
Some politicians believe kings and queens must stay neutral. Others are happy to use royal names and influence for political gain. This argument refuses to go away.
What often gets forgotten is history.
Many South African royals helped pave the way to political freedom. They were part of the founding of the African National Congress in 1912. At the time, the country was under colonial rule and their land was being taken by white Europeans.
Because they resisted, many traditional leaders paid a heavy price.
Some were arrested by the white government. Others were killed. Kings like Hintsa of the Xhosa nation, King Sabatha Dalindyebo and King Dinuzulu are part of that painful history.
After democracy, things changed.
Several monarchs and royal family members openly joined political parties. Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi served as prime minister to the Zulu monarch. King Regent Mcwayizeni and King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo also took political party membership despite their royal status.
Others chose a different path.
Kings like King Goodwill Zwelithini and King Misuzulu, the Rain Queen Masalanabo Modjadji and the Royal Bafokeng monarch decided to remain politically neutral. The Zulu king even chose not to vote, saying the throne should be above party politics.
This split has kept the debate alive.
Some politicians strongly oppose royal involvement in politics. Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema is one of them. He believes kings and queens must stay above politics because they lead nations made up of people from many political parties.
The question remains simple but difficult.
Should royals be active citizens like everyone else, or should they stand apart to unite their people? That debate is far from over.
Pictured above: His Majesty King Buyelekhaya Zwelibanzi Dalindyebo recently met with former President Jacob Zuma and Advocate Matthew Mphahlwa in KwaZulu-Natal for high-level discussions.
Image source: MKP
