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The DA in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) notes the recent unexpected termination of the services of Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s cultural advisor, Iyosi Buzetsheni Mdletshe, by the ANC-run provincial government.

The dismissal, by the Office of the Premier (OTP), was apparently made on the basis of substantial budget cuts within the provincial Legislature, which controls the budget for His Majesty and the Royal Household.

The dismissal of the King’s praise singer without any form of consultation with either His Majesty or the Royal Household is highly disrespectful and unacceptable.

Coincidentally, the ANC’s latest move comes just days after an embarrassing public spat between traditional Prime Minister of the Zulu nation, Thulasizwe Buthelezi and ANC provincial chairperson, Siboniso Duma.

The DA has consistently warned against using the King and the Royal Household to settle political scores. We have also repeatedly stated that the Legislature is a subject of the King – and not the other way round.

The DA has long called on the Legislature to engage with his Majesty on the creation of a self-sustainable commercial agricultural industry, utilizing the land he owns. This would include tourism as a revenue generating activity.

In this way, the King and the Royal Household become their own decision-makers – instead of political parties in power making pronouncements for them. The move would also see the impact of His Majesty and the Royal Household’s financial needs on the Legislature minimized. This is the best and only way forward.

The people of KZN deserve a government that is singly focused on their needs. They do not need a government that is more focused on settling political scores. When they go to the polls on 29 May, they will have the opportunity to rescue KZN and install a government that puts them first.

Issued by Francois Rodgers, MPL - Leader of the DA in the KZN Legislature