ZAPU Backs Coltart Over Bulelani Khumalo Hosting Row

The opposition ZAPU party has defended Bulawayo mayor David Coltart, following criticism from the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, over his hosting of self-proclaimed Ndebele king Bulelani Khumalo.

Garwe demanded that Coltart explain the invitation and official welcome given to Khumalo, whom he described as an imposter and a foreign national.

ZAPU president Sibangilizwe Nkomo said the opposition party would not allow Minister Garwe to intimidate the Bulawayo mayor. Said Nkomo:

We know that there are people with a hidden agenda of trying to get rid of our Bulawayo mayor because they do not like him.

We love our mayor, and we will defend him. We will not be intimidated by Minister Garwe’s bullying tactics.

He accused Garwe of disregarding Ndebele cultural traditions, norms and values, adding that the minister’s remarks undermined ongoing efforts to bring closure to the Gukurahundi massacres.

Meanwhile, King Bulelani’s spokesperson, Bornwell Khumalo, said the king had no interest in politics and was focused solely on preserving Ndebele culture. Said Khumalo:

He cannot say our king is a fraud or defunct. That is an insult. If we are practising our culture, which he does not understand, where does he come in? We are practising our culture, not politics.

King Lobengula, who died around 1893 or 1894, was the last recognised Ndebele king. He succeeded his father, King Mzilikazi Khumalo, the founder and first king of the Ndebele state.

King Mzilikazi Khumalo passed away in September 1868, and King Lobengula was crowned following his death.

In recent years, the Ndebele kingship has seen several claimants, with Bulelani Khumalo being one of them.

More: Southern Eye

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