- Thulani says African royals accused South Africa of chasing out fellow Africans during his visit to Kenya.
- The former royal spokesperson defended the protests. The palace has not commented on whether he represented the King or had his backing.
African royals in Kenya challenged Prince Thulani Zulu over claims that South Africa was chasing out fellow Africans, he says.
The prince from eZibindini defended the anti-immigration protests led by March and March, saying they targeted people without valid immigration documents.
Speaking to Scrolla.Africa on Monday after landing at OR Tambo International Airport, Thulani said he had rejected claims that the protests were aimed at Africans.
He accused some migrants who had returned to their home countries of falsely saying they had been driven out by xenophobia. He claimed they had left because they were in South Africa illegally.
“I told our fellow African royals that even when we arrived in Kenya we had to produce our documents to prove that we entered the country legally,” he said.
Thulani also argued that a lack of immigration documents made it difficult to trace people implicated in crime.
He had visited Busia County for the fourth coronation anniversary of the Iteso paramount chief, Papa Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot III. The celebrations ran from 29 to 31 October.
The South African delegation included King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s younger brother, Prince Kwazikwenkosi kaZwelithini.
Thulani served as the King’s spokesperson until September, when the King removed him following a dispute over a private meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa.
King Misuzulu has called for immigration laws to be enforced while saying no one should be attacked.
The palace has not commented on whether it sent Thulani to Kenya or whether it supports his remarks.
