What You Need to Know:
Zulu Royalists attacked African National Congress (ANC) members on Saturday after the political party’s Chairperson for the KwaZulu-Natal region, Siboniso Duma, allegedly disrespected Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the traditional Zulu Prime Minister.
The event, held at KwaCeza Sports Field in Zululand, was held in commemoration of King Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo, who died 110 years ago.
KwaCeza is an important landmark for Zulu royalists, as it is the site where in 1890, King Dinuzulu made his final prayer before attacking the British army in attempt to stop the crown from annexing the coast plains of Zululand.
The Details:
The attack began after Duma removed the microphone from Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi to introduce King Misuzulu KaZwelithini to the stage, stating, “Shenge you have embarrassed this beautiful event and became clumsy instead of doing your work to introduce the king.”
It is royal protocol for the traditional Prime Minister to introduce the King and thus Duma’s action prompted zulu royalists to chant war cries from which they then began attacking those wearing ANC shirts with pangas (machetes) and traditional spears. There were no fatalities.
Although President Cyril Ramaphosa was at the event, there has been no official statement made on the incident as of yet.
As a result, Duma has been banned from all royal events moving forward.