THE security of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini emerged as a concern and a contentious issue in KwaZulu-Natal’s political arena.
During the State of the Province (Sopa) debate, Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli revealed that the provincial government is in high-level discussions with President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding recent decisions to significantly reduced the King’s security detail from 12 guards to just five.
This alarming change has raised concerns about the King’s safety amidst ongoing tensions within the Zulu royal family.
In his capacity as the leader of the Umkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP) in the provincial legislature, Chiliza said the issue of the safety of the King was of grave concern.
However, Ntuli informed Chiliza that the provision of security guards to the King was the responsibility of Ramaphosa’s office.
“The security of the King falls under the office of the president, and I can confirm that high level discussions are ongoing to address this critical issue.
“In fact, on the very same day of Sopa (February 28) I had important engagements about this subject,” Ntuli said.
He also said the provincial government was engaged in the process of restructuring the king’s office in collaboration with his majesty.
“This will involve thorough review of the role of the KwaZulu-Natal Royal Household within the office of his majesty,” he said.
According to media reports, the King had early last month written to Ramaphosa complaining about the reduction of his bodyguards, saying it was done without consulting him and that he only noticed it on his visit to Swaziland.
The King told Ramaphosa that this had put his life in danger “given the prevailing tensions within the royal house”.
The King was concerned about his safety because of the ongoing kingship dispute among the royal family members, including his brother Prince Simakade who claimed to be the rightful heir to the throne.
Chiliza said the safety of the traditional leaders, including the King, should be addressed speedily.
“Only a few amakhosi (tribal leaders) were selected to be provided with security guards.
“Even the King does not feel safe because of the reduction of his security without consulting him, which is very painful in the hearts of the Zulu nation, we therefore request that the King’s security should be at the level of the head of the [Zulu] kingdom,” he said.
“The issue of shutting down the Royal Household Department is a thorn in our hearts as the Zulu nation because those who did this wanted to reduce the king’s dignity,” said Chiliza.
Addressing the issue of the safety of amakhosi, Ntuli said the government has provided 15 of them with CCTV cameras while 16, who were identified as being at high risk, were provided with personal protection.
There were a total of more than 300 amakhosi in the province.
Meanwhile, Finance MEC Francois Rodgers had, following the provincial cabinet resolution, approached the national government with an application for the guarantee of R2.4 billion for single depositors’ money at Ithala Bank.
“As the government of provincial unity, we don’t just stand here and grandstand, we do things, we deliver, we all say save Ithala and we put our money where our mouth is.
“There is a lot said here (in parliament) about Ithala, there is a lot of political grandstanding and a member here does not even know what is going on about Ithala,” said Rodgers.
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