Zulu King lashes KZN MECs

28 February 2017 - 17:44 By Nathi Olifant
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Two KwaZulu-Natal MECs came in for a tongue lashing from King Goodwill Zwelithini as he opened the provincial legislature in Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday‚ saying the pair do not appear to be part of a collective government.

In a long isiZulu speech‚ which lasted almost two hours‚ the king started by leading a prayer himself - but when it came to talking about the province's political heads‚ his tone was much harsher.

 MEC for public works and human settlements‚ Ravi Pillay‚ and finance MEC Belinda Scott were bizarrely singled out by the Zulu monarch for not attending royal functions. Prior to this the King had thanked every MEC‚ calling each by their names‚ for their "sterling" work and for always apprising him of their work.

Zwelithini asked Premier Willies Mchunu to make both Pillay and Scott available to him. "I wish that you lend me MEC Belinda Scott and MEC Ravi Pillay. I just wish for us to work together‚ and much closer.

Today I'm extending an open invitation to them to come to the Reed Dance at eNyokeni royal palace. Since they are part of my government‚ it looks bad that we are distant.

If we speak of a rainbow nation and social cohesion‚ let's do it in a unifying manner. Since you also live here‚ I am also your King‚" said Zwelithini. Pillay and Scott are the only two MEC's in the KZN cabinet that are not Zulu.

When he gave a vote of thanks later‚ Mchunu acknowledged the king's remarks. "On the two MECs‚ I hope they heard you‚ Your Majesty. They are listening and they are not children.

They are not MEC's on their own but they know who put them there. We apologise for any wrong we committed‚ Your Majesty‚" said Mchunu. Pillay chose not to comment‚ while Scott could not be reached for comment. The king called on political parties to stop bickering and work together towards a common goal. "I'm a monarch to all of you‚" he said.

 - TMG Digital/The Times

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