Paper in hot water over alleged ‘king insult’ saga

Earlier this month the Presidency rejected another City Press story

THE City Press has found itself in hot water with the Presidency for the second time in two weeks.

Yesterday the Presidency dismissed a City Press article which stated that President Jacob Zuma had established a high-level government mediation team to discuss an alleged insult by the AmaMpondo King, Zanozuko Sigcau. Earlier this month the Presidency rejected as fictitious a City Press story which stated that Zuma had attended a dinner with ANC councillors in Port Elizabeth.

In August the royal family of the AmaMpondo Kingdom in the Eastern Cape apologised to King Goodwill Zwelithini and Zuma following allegations that Sigcau had called them “amakhwenkwe” – an insult referring to men who have not undergone traditional circumcision.

In yesterday’s article the City Press said a mediation team was set to have discussions with the royal family.

It reported that an “explosive dispute” brewing between Zwelithini and Zuma on one side, and Sigcau on the other, had become so serious that it was being handled by a high-level government team.

“This is not true. The president has not established such a team. There is no mediation between the president and Sigcau.

“The royal family sent a letter of apology last month and the president accepted the apology formally through a letter from (Presidency director-general Dr Cassius) Lubisi,” the Presidency said in a statement, adding that there were no plans for any further discussion.

When approached for a comment yesterday, City Press editor Ferial Haffajee said: “No comment.” Two weeks ago Haffajee said she was in talks with the Presidency and was investigating the article.