ANC KZN Chairperson Siboniso Duma snatches mic from Traditional Prime Minister Thulasizwe Buthelezi. Image: Screenshot/@tshwewuMoleme
WATCH: ANC’s Siboniso Duma reprimands AmaZulu traditional Prime Minister
Siboniso Duma’s disregard for AmaZulu Prime Minister Thulasizwe Buthelezi played out in full view of King Misuzulu and the President
ANC KZN Chairperson Siboniso Duma snatches mic from Traditional Prime Minister Thulasizwe Buthelezi. Image: Screenshot/@tshwewuMoleme
Tensions flared in northern KwaZulu-Natal between AmaZulu Traditional Prime Minister Thulasizwe Buthelezi and provincial ANC chairperson Siboniso Duma.
As Buthelezi began to speak, he requested for provincial leadership to respect King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, and as he utters ANC leader Bheki Mtolo’s name Duma snatches the mic. However, Buthelezi stands his ground and remains at the podium.
SIBONISO DUMA SNATCHES MIC FROM BUTHELEZI
“Our only respect Your Excellency(President Cyril Ramaphosa) is for the provincial government of KZN to emulate your example of respecting our King. A senior leader of the ANC in this province, Bheki Mtolo..”, Buthelezi says before being interrupted.
The incident occurs during the 110th commemoration of King Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo’s death at KwaCeza.
Duma then accuses Buthelezi of ruining the event and ordered the Prime Minister to sit down. Duma who is also the MEC for Economic Development then attempts to assert his power by declaring that Buthelezi will no longer be handed a mic. Thereafter instructing the King’s praise singer Buzetsheni Mdletshe to introduce the King. However, Mdletshe refused, sighting traditional protocol.
ZULU REGIMENTS FIGHT BACK
Mdletshe then informed Duma that Buthelezi was appointed by the King as his Prime Minister. Only after he has called on the King could he then proceed to usher the King onto the podium.
The incident angered Zulu regiments who rose to heckle Duma. Since Buthelezi’s appointment in January, ANC leaders in the province have refused to recognize him as Prime Minister.
Their preferred candidate to succeed Prince Magosuthu Buthelezi is his eldest son Prince Zuzifa.
