Zulu king calls for a referendum on state rule

NHLANHLA Mtaka, speaking on behalf of Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini, eloquently expressed the discontent of cultural practitioners.

“We have many issues that we want to discuss with you (government institutions).

“We don’t want to discuss them in this hotel.

“There ’ s nothing wrong with going to KwaNongoma or Vhembe because sometimes the real practitioners are not consulted because we meet in Sandton,” he said.

Following rapturous applause, Mtaka outlined the king’s proposals. He said national conferences should be led by traditional institutions on issues such as cultural practice and religion.

Ideally, these should take place in townships and villages where the practitioners live, he said.

In addition, the king suggested the portfolio committees of legislatures should also attend these meetings to enable them to make informed policy decisions.

The king has challenged the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities and the government to call a referendum to determine whether Africans want to continue being subjected to the state.

“This constitution allows us to call a referendum. We are saying perhaps it’s time we call a referendum to see whether Africans want to continue to be subjected, ” Mtaka said

“In fact it is you who are testing us, it is government testing us. Every year we have to explain ourselves to urban bumpkins who don’t know where we come from but want our votes at the end of the day. ”

He said diversity was a hallmark of South Africa that is characterised by a plurality of cultures, religions and languages, the observance and practice of which are recognised in the constitution.

The constitution came about as a result of consensus achieved through extensive consultation, Mtaka said.

But it seems that in many other instances the government does not consult broadly on cultural and religious practices.