RESPONDING to recent media reports questioning the traditional lion hunt by His Majesty King Misuzulu KaZwelithini, the ANC insists the permits were in place and the hunt was done professionally.

ANC Provincial Secretary Bheki Mtolo said, “For the record, there was no sale of the lion. The Zulu royal family had a permit, a professional hunter, and a district conservation officer, who were all in attendance throughout the process. We reject any attempt to pit the Zulu royal family against society.”

ALSO READ: eSikhaleni cluster water crisis compounded by fire incident

The hunt formed part of the Ukungena Esibayeni (entering the kraal) ceremony held at KwaKhangela Amankengane over the weekend, which was a celebration of unity.

Mtolo stated that the party wishes to warn against any attempt to divide people along cultural lines.

“It would be reckless to discriminate against the indigenous people, who are in the majority.

“The ANC will work with the Zulu royal family and support it to showcase the diversity of our cultures, while we simultaneously show our unity as one people and one nation,” said Mtolo.

He said the ANC ‘prays to God that He grants his majesty more strength so he becomes the champion of peace and unity of all our people’.

“This is the message delivered by Provincial Chairperson Siboniso Duma in his capacity as leader of government business. The leadership of the ANC was in attendance as it understands that the Zulu royal family is a symbol of unity.”

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page  and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 060 784 2695

Instagram – zululand_observer