Why divide nation by ignoring Buthelezi?

DURING his State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa unwittingly divided the country by naming other politicians as “having a role to play”, but leaving out Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. This cannot go unchallenged.

Ramaphosa could not have forgotten because Buthelezi was sitting next to Julius Malema, whom he looked at. Some would say this is insignificant and inconsequential, but Buthelezi has been isolated for many years.

Ramaphosa should know that the IFP and ANC have not had a chance to reconcile over a number of issues, since the days when Shenge was called all sorts of names, so his political negligence is not nursing the festering wounds nor closing the rift.

Choosing to ignore Buthelezi means, Mr President, that you do not recognise his role played outside and within the walls of Parliament. We know that history is written by victors, but no leader should sweep under the carpet the role of Buthelezi in South African politics.

Mr President, I found your statements contradictory. You said, “This task of building a better South Africa is our collective task as a nation and as the people of South Africa,” and that, “Our society is anchored in the roots of tolerance as well as co-existence...”

Which tolerance are you talking about if you fail to mention Buthelezi’s name? Which coexistence are you referring to if you do not recognise him in Parliament?

The fact that he has never been the state president of this country does not give you licence to regard him as a featherweight in the political ring. You cannot sweep away his immense contributions.

Madiba and president Thabo Mbeki appointed Buthelezi acting president 22 times when there were ANC leaders.

It was Madiba himself who said: “We have used every ammunition to destroy him, but we have failed. And he is still there. He is a formidable survivor. We cannot ignore him.”