ANC in KZN says Duma ‘had no choice’ in mic-grabbing incident
The African National Congress in KZN says its chairperson, Siboniso Duma, had no choice but to act in the manner that he did in northern KZN this past weekend.
"A scenario was created where he had to choose between allowing anarchy to thrive or doing something that is unthinkable to prevent chaos, and we applaud him for choosing what was best for the people and for the event to be a success," says the party's provincial secretary Bheki Mtolo.
Mtolo was commenting on the microphone-grabbing incident at KwaCeza during the anniversary commemoration of King Dinuzulu ka Cetswayo.
Zulu traditional prime minister Thulasizwe Buthelezi, who is also an IFP NEC member, used his speech to criticise the ANC-led KZN government.
He had just mentioned the name of the ANC provincial secretary when Duma stood up from his seat and went to the podium to stop Buthelezi.
Duma told the Zululand mayor that he was disrespecting King Misuzulu and the occasion with his political comments.
READ: ANC KZN chair clashes with Zulu nation's Prime Minister
At a briefing in Durban on Wednesday, Mtolo said while Duma had apologised for his actions, Buthelezi was out of order.
"Thulasizwe Buthelezi, who has now left the position of the traditional prime minister of the Zulu monarchy and who was clear that he is occupying his position as the leader of a political party - turning the whole event to be a rally for his party and to attack leaders of political parties who are not present and can't respond and defend themselves."
Saturday's incident sparked violence among the crowd.
Sixteen people, including women and children, were hurt.
Mtolo says the KZN ANC has reached out to the IFP leadership amid the renewed political tension.
"We have written a letter to the president of the IFP, whom we trust will act accordingly to seek an audience with the IFP and the ANC leadership that we need to meet as political parties. All is not lost; the generation who came before us has shown us that it is only through talks that peace is brought."
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