Compiled by Celani Sikhakhane
- King Misuzulu kaZwelithini told Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi at eMashobeni Royal Palace that Zulu descendants in Zimbabwe and Malawi are being targeted.
- Amampondo King Silosohlanga kaDakhile Sigcau urged traditional leaders, churches and communities to hold peaceful talks instead of any more violence.
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has told his own people that some of the immigrants they are chasing out of South Africa are their own relatives. He made the remarks during an address at the eMashobeni Royal Palace in KwaZulu-Natal, speaking to Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the AmaZulu traditional prime minister, to condemn the harassment of Zulu people in neighbouring countries.
He said Zulu descendants live in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, tracing back to King Mzilikazi kaMashobane, a Zulu general who fled north generations ago after falling out with King Shaka. He said more Zulu descendants live in Malawi, tracing back to King Zwangendaba’s Ngoni people, who were driven north during the same period. Both groups still recognise the Zulu throne today.
“Nobody can claim to be pure Zulu, stop this hate,” King Misuzulu told the Mail & Guardian.
He said it pains him that people who still honour his throne are being forced out of the land their ancestors once called home.
Separately, Amampondo King Silosohlanga kaDakhile Sigcau has called on traditional leaders, families, churches and community organisations to work with activists instead of letting tensions rise. This follows the passing of a 30 June deadline set by campaigners for undocumented immigrants to leave the country.
In a statement carried by Pondoland Times, King Sigcau praised the March and March movement and the people who joined protests across the country. He described them as exercising their right to express dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of undocumented immigration.
King Sigcau also called on government to expand skills development programmes in hospitality, computer literacy, retail, entrepreneurship and small business to help South Africans find work.
Pictured above: Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has told his own people that some of the immigrants they are chasing out of South Africa are their own relatives.
Image source: Zulu Kingdom
