The amaHlubi clan has called for a meeting with President Jacob Zuma and for compensation from the British government as part of its fight to be recognised as an independent nation.

This was said yesterday by Prince Bhekithemba Langalibalele, chairman of a national committee set up to revive the clan and restore their kingdom.

Langalibalele said the amaHlubi people would fight to the bitter end for the restoration of their kingship and for compensation for land and 7000 cattle seized by the British colonial government when it arrested their leader, King Langalibalele, in 1874.

The amaHlubi clan hail from Estcourt in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands. Its more than 2.5-million members are scattered throughout South Africa.

However, the Nhlapo Commission on Traditional Leadership Disputes and Claims found that under the Framework Act the amaHlubi did not have a claim to kingship. After the release of the findings in July, Zuma urged the community to "face the truth, even if it is uncomfortable and move forward".

Langalibalele said yesterday the findings were an insult to his people.

"It is a surprise and very sad that we should be oppressed by a black democratically elected government in this country. The report seems to sow doubt and is inconclusive around whether the amaHlubi kingdom ever existed despite overwhelming evidence," he said.

Langalibalele wrote to Zuma last week requesting a meeting, and has also briefed his lawyers to make an application to fight the findings in court.

Langalibalele has met with British high commission officials to discuss compensation for the "atrocities committed by the Natal colonial government", but without success. - nairn@thetimes.co.za