Johannesburg – Despite the AmaZulu royal house distancing itself from the presence of amabutho (regiments) at former president Jacob Zuma’s eNkandla homestead to protect him from being arrested, on Saturday a strong contingent of amabutho again descended to the village of KwaNxamalala.
The regiments who were armed with traditional weapons and clad in the traditional AmaZulu attire were being led by Mlandeli ‘Mgilija’ Nhleko, the long-standing commander of AmaZulu regiments.
In the parade, they were also joined by Zulu maidens.
“Amabutho are only sanctioned by the AmaZulu king when there are important ceremonies. They are not dispatched without the consent of the king. Those were just ordinary people who happen to be wearing AmaZulu traditional outfits, but they shouldn’t be called amabutho,” said AmaZulu royal house spokesperson, Prince Thulani Zulu on Saturday.
Professor Jabulani Maphalala, a retired academic and Zulu history expert said because of the legislation regulating traditional leadership coupled with the remuneration given to traditional leaders, they were open to political manipulation.
“You now have the house of traditional leaders which is a structure under government. Previously traditional leaders were independent people paying their allegiance to the king, but because of politics and money this changed drastically,” said Prof Maphalala.
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