Tensions between Zulu King, KZN govt ‘not unexpected’ in election year
A Zulu cultural expert is warning that the ongoing tension between the KwaZulu-Natal government and the office of the Zulu king could lead to instability.
In the latest spat, King Misuzulu has, through his traditional prime minister, voiced his frustration after the employment of his cultural advisor and praise singer Buzetsheni Mdletshe was ended.
The monarch says Mdletshe is a trusted senior official who has been part of the Zulu Royal Household for 47 years.
The King has accused the ANC-led provincial government of undermining and mistreating him and those close to him.
However, the premier's office defended the move to terminate the contract, citing financial constraints.
READ: ANC KZN to formally apologise to King Misuzulu for mic-snatching incident
It says it's already paying for another cultural advisor mentored by Mdletshe.
UKZN cultural expert, Dr. Gugu Mazibuko, says part of the problem is the new Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Nation, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, who is a member of the IFP and still relatively new to the position.
"The Traditional Prime Minister is not in the organogram when it comes to royal matters, it creates a challenge. If there are issues between the king's office and with government it affects the relations between the two.
"The Traditional Prime Minister is emitting from one political organisation and the government is led by another political organisation and this is very close to the elections - one would expect such tensions to take place."
