Buthelezi angered over ‘recolonisation’ claims
TRADITIONAL Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch Prince Mangosutho Buthelezi is angered over the questioning of the Christian service at King Misuzulu kaZwelithini's certificate handover ceremony.
Buthelezi criticised the ‘recolonisation’ claims by Indonsa yeSizwe Think Tank after Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba performed a Christian service ahead of the traditional handing over of the certificate ceremony on Saturday.
He said when the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu was installed in 1973, South Africa was under apartheid rule and the king was considered merely a paramount chief.
“On Saturday, an international audience witnessed the ninth king of the Zulu nation being recognised by the president of the Republic of South Africa, and receiving his certificate of appointment. It was an historic moment that had never been seen in our country," said Buthelezi.
“As the traditional prime minister to the Zulu monarch and nation, I played a role in the arrangements for the ceremony.
As we were installing a Christian king who worships at the Nazareth Baptist Church, I felt it important to have a Christian element in the ceremony," said Buthelezi.
"Accordingly, I approached His Majesty and sought his guidance on this, and he requested that I appeal to the head of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa - the Archbishop of Cape Town to perform a religious service,” he said.
Distressing
Moreover, Buthelezi said he was devastated by the accusation against the head of his own church, 'whom I myself asked to be present and whom I myself requested to do what he did. If there is any blame to be apportioned, it should fall squarely on my shoulders'.
“I want to emphasise this point because a very distressing accusation has been made by the Indonsa yeSizwe Think Tank, under the names of Reverend Professor Musa Xulu, Dr Makhosi Khoza and Dr Themba Fakazi, claiming the role played by the Anglican church in the handing over ceremony amounts to an attempt at recolonisation.
“I do not regret asking the archbishop to perform this service, and I believe it
was done in a superbly dignified manner. Through the liturgy, the archbishop did what the prophets of old did in the times
of King David, even using the oil of anointing. This was wholly appropriate for a Christian king,” added Buthelezi.