One of the “Free our King” campaign leaders lobbying for the release of the jailed AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo took a swipe at the inconsistent manner in which royals are treated in South Africa.
“We have our king, King Zwelibanzi – the alleged crimes that he is said to have committed ... now to have him in jail and a law that was made years after the alleged crimes is used to dethrone him, as it is said that if traditional leaders are imprisoned for 12 months without an option of a fine they will be stripped of status.
“But on the other hand we have Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini inciting violence long after the law existence, but there is no talk of removing him from his throne,” said Thembalakhe Liwani from Cacadu (formerly Lady Frere).
Liwani was speaking during an AbaThembu meeting organised by the “Free our King” campaign leaders. The meeting was held in the garage of the king’s Nkululekweni private residence.
According to the Traditional Governance Framework Act of 2003, their certificate of recognition is withdrawn for public office-bearers – including kings and other traditional leaders – if they are sentenced to a term of imprisonment 12 months or more without the option of a fine. Dalindyebo’s crimes were committed in 1994. The act came into effect in 2003.
Dalindyebo group comes out fighting
“We have our king, King Zwelibanzi – the alleged crimes that he is said to have committed ... now to have him in jail and a law that was made years after the alleged crimes is used to dethrone him, as it is said that if traditional leaders are imprisoned for 12 months without an option of a fine they will be stripped of status.
“But on the other hand we have Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini inciting violence long after the law existence, but there is no talk of removing him from his throne,” said Thembalakhe Liwani from Cacadu (formerly Lady Frere).
Liwani was speaking during an AbaThembu meeting organised by the “Free our King” campaign leaders. The meeting was held in the garage of the king’s Nkululekweni private residence.
According to the Traditional Governance Framework Act of 2003, their certificate of recognition is withdrawn for public office-bearers – including kings and other traditional leaders – if they are sentenced to a term of imprisonment 12 months or more without the option of a fine. Dalindyebo’s crimes were committed in 1994. The act came into effect in 2003.
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