DURBAN - THE KwaZulu-Natal provincial government’s executive council has taken a decision to delay its support and funding for any cultural activities by the Zulu royal family household until the disputes related to the kingship are resolved.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the provincial government said it had decided to give the royal household time to deal with the disputes.
“We wish to put it on record that the Executive Council of KwaZulu-Natal has taken a resolution to allow the Zulu royal household space and the opportunity to resolve family related issues without external interference. As such, the executive council has resolved to delay its support and funding for any cultural activities until the disputes related to the Zulu royal household kingship are resolved,” stated the provincial government.
The statement came after the IFP accused the ANC of alienating the Zulu king. The IFP accused the provincial government of disrespecting the monarchy and taking sides in the kingship dispute. While King Misuzulu is already occupying the throne, there are factions within the royal family disputing his position.
In a media statement released by the IFP, the party said: “Proposals have been tabled by the ANC in the rules committee of the KwaZulu-Natal legislature to scrap the guard of honour which salutes the king, and to compress the two-day opening ceremony of the legislature by discarding the day specifically set aside for the king’s address. The intention is to combine the king’s and the premier’s speeches. This shows utter disdain towards his majesty,” stated the IFP.
In response, the provincial government said it had noted the “desperate and unprincipled attempt by the IFP to exploit the current challenges in the Zulu royal household for political gain”.
They said they will not be dragged into the “cesspool of political mudslinging”’.
THE MERCURY