Khumalo’s prejudices out in public

Fred Khumalo’s column on Friday (Watching You – South Africans must ask what the modern-day role of the Zulu king is) came as a shock.

Why? Because Khumalo is a Zulu who lived in the township, then moved to the suburbs, and knows nothing about what the king, traditional leaders and izinduna do. What a hypocrite!

It came across as poorly researched column from a so-called “experienced journalist”, who comes from the Zulu kingdom. I live in the suburbs myself but know what traditional leaders’ roles are.

For his information, traditional leaders play a crucial role in peacekeeping and lobbying masses under their jurisdiction for the advancement of black thought and cultural heritage, without the involvement of politicians.

They go as far as settling disputes that emanate from communities which cannot go the legal route.

Chiefs and kings are also custodians of traditional ceremonies.

Now that Khumalo lives in the suburbs, he has forgotten all that traditional leaders do. It boggles the mind.

Research has shown that in the past, indigenous governance systems prevailed among communities, and chiefs, kings and izinduna were official custodians of governance.

He now lives among people who appreciate the red carpet for the queen of England, but despise their king, so it is actually stupid of him to even question what a chief or a king does.

Actually, it would be nice to hear what governance system he proposes for the rural hoi polloi and what should happen to the amakhosi’s role under democracy. His prejudices are in the open for anyone to see.

As long as we are proud of ourselves (read Steve Biko), we should always preserve what is original.

There is Zulu saying that says: “he who crowns the king never rules with him”, Frederick Khumalo. Muntonezwi Khanyile Florida, Johannesburg