Equal treatment for kingdoms
In the first chapter he wrote: “I acquired knowledge by asking questions to satisfy my curiosity as I grew up, learnt experiences, watched adults and tried to imitate what they did. In the process an important role is played by custom, ritual and taboo. I came to possess a fair amount of information in this regard.’’
Imagine the impact such teachings had on him that he continued reflecting on them in deep and lifethreatening times in his life. Yet the world still asks what made Mandela who he was. They appear to have researched everywhere except abaThembu kingdom genealogy, its organic wisdom and rich heritage. How could they be so blind? I’m sure even King Shaka himself would have said Chief Dalibunga Mandela had power and was very brave to have conquered over 300 years of colonial rule.
However, to my unpleasant surprise, I also noticed the president of the republic, in his speech, recognising the Zulu kingdom as a “nation” as opposed to a “community” as is described by the Traditional Leadership Framework Act.
He stated: “The time has arrived that this nation must look at its proud values, to strengthen and preserve them, to listen to the mouth that does not speak lies. We congratulate you, Hlangalomhlabathi. May your days be expanded on the throne, more especially as the nation which was established by Ilembe to preach peace, love and unity is celebrating.”
At this point, a deep sense of jealously moved my heart and my stomach began to turn, because the president’s address reminded me that in his letter to my incarcerated king, he referred to him as “a king of abaThembu community”, not nation, and did not even refer to him as king of abaThembu. It was difficult not to pick up the disparity.
On another side, his majesty King Zwelithini was noting that a good thing about the Zulu people is that, whatever position they may hold in society, they will never forget home, they know they are Zulu people.
I fully agree, Ngangezwe lakhe. I’m sure my president will also nod his head on that point.
This critical comment came at a time when King Zwelibanzi Dalindyebo, in his birthday wishes to Mamkhulu Winnie Madikizela Mandela, stressed the full recognition of abaThembu kingdom with no reservations.
On the positive side, I think his majesty King Zwelithini is correct about his right to preserve Zulu customary norms of carrying out virginity tests for young girls in an attempt to prevent early pregnancy, which results in 14-year-old children having to raise a babies.
What is the basis of celebrating Heritage Day if we cannot celebrate our identity and customary values (ubuthina)?
Dressing up in traditional attire on Heritage day won’t help us to lead the young generation on the mission to find out who they are.
Right now, I think youngsters would prefer to be something they are not. I sometimes think they would be proud to wake up as black Americans, the “what’s up my nigger” kind of thing.
One was also moved by the king’s comment that he knew of the plight of the younger generation in relation to poverty, child-headed households, of the pain that has led to drugs and excessive use of alcohol, even by pregnant girls.
With the issue of heritage still fresh in our minds, may our consciences take us back to our origin, where the issue of respect was key.
If this aspect is ignored our youth will never know the truth.
They may think what they see in parliament, where age differences appear not to be considered, is acceptable behaviour.
And while political parties have freedom of speech and the right to hold the president to account, it is unprecedented in our African culture
that a young man addresses a woman or man more than twice his age in an offensive way.
The younger generation needs to be corrected.
Our sitting in parliament cannot wash away our identity.
I think this is where our constitution fails us miserably.
It allows young people rights that in turn kill its essence.
My King Zwelibanzi stood against bad conduct by youth who were harassing old people, including a disabled man’s wife.
Guess what happened? He found himself in jail. His enemies used his good intentions against him.
In summary, I strongly believe all kingdoms need to enjoy equal treatment and full recognition, as mandated by chapter 12 of the constitution.
It would be much appreciated when the full support of the president reaches out to our kingdom.
One wonders if King Jonguhlanga would, were he to rise from the grave, be pleased to see that the same legal system that imprisoned him and caused him to flee into exile has meted out the same treatment to his son, and that his kingdom has nothing worth celebrating except continued pain and suffering.
Prince Langalibalele Mthunzi Ngonyama is adviser to and spokesman for abaThembu King Zwelibanzi Dalindyebo