By Celani Sikhakhane
ANC KwaZulu-Natal chairperson Siboniso Duma has given cattle to Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini as a way of apologising for grabbing a microphone from the king’s traditional prime minister, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, at an event in March.
Buthelezi was about to introduce the king when Duma took his microphone.
The incident – just after President Cyril Ramaphosa’s speech during a commemoration of King Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo in Nongoma – was seen by many on live TV and sparked tension between the ANC and the Zulu royal family.
On Thursday, Duma and his team visited King Misuzulu at Phongola Royal Palace to apologise in person.
He gave the king several heads of cattle as part of his apology.
“I apologise sincerely, Your Majesty,” Duma said.
“I come to you today to apologise unconditionally and offer cattle as a sign of my sincere regret.”
He also mentioned that he didn’t want to damage the strong relationship between his family and the royal family, as their families are connected.
The apology came after a meeting between Duma and Buthelezi in July, where they started to resolve the issue.
After the incident, church leaders in KwaZulu-Natal met with the ANC to find a peaceful solution. Violence had already broken out against some ANC members after the incident.
Duma also told King Misuzulu about ongoing road construction projects in the province, including work on the roads leading to the kwaKhangela Amankengana Royal Palace.
Pictured above: King Misuzulu kaZwelithini with ANC KZN chairperson Siboniso Duma and his delegation during the apology.
Source: Supplied
