THE ANC in KwaZulu-Natal, led by provincial convener Jeff Radebe, met with King Misuzulu KaZwelithini on Tuesday at the Kwakhangelamankengane Palace in Nongoma in a bid to mend strained relations.
Following the meeting, Radebe held a brief media session, explaining that it was not unusual for a new party leadership to formally introduce itself to the king as a sign of respect and seek his blessing.
While the ANC denied claims of a deteriorated relationship with the king, veteran party member and former provincial chairperson Dr. Sbu Ndebele conceded that the party’s connection with the royal family has not been as strong as it once was.
Ndebele also noted that the party had lost support from various other groups, including religious and traditional formations.
Radebe stressed that the visit marked a return to the ANC’s roots, recalling that King Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo was named an honorary president of the party in 1912.
“We are here to formally introduce ourselves as the new leadership of the province under the Zulu kingdom. Our movement’s relationship with the Zulu royal family dates back to its founding in 1912,” Radebe said.
Political analysts have pointed to the strained relationship between the government under former ANC premiers Sihle Zikalala and his successor Nomusa Dube-Ncube as a key factor in the party’s losses in both the 2021 and 2025 elections.
One notable incident that highlighted tensions was when former ANC provincial chairperson SIboniso DUma grabbed a microphone from the then traditional prime minister of the Zulu Nation, in front of the King Misuzulu, an act widely seen as disrespectful.
The king warned the ANC leadership to govern with dignity and respect, suggesting that failure to do so could result in him reclaiming the party, which was founded by his ancestor, King Dinuzulu. He also expressed concerns about the challenges facing Ithala and the Ingonyama Trust, urging the leadership to use its influence to protect both institutions. Additional reporting by Daily News.
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