Jaspreet Kindra
An imbongi (praise-singer) heralding Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi has fuelled African National Congress-Inkatha Freedom Party tensions by hurling insults at senior ANC members, including Nelson Mandela.
The IFP insisted on the imbongi’s inclusion at the recent opening of the legislature, despite official ANC pro-tests. At last year’s legislature opening the singer also ruffled ANC feathers.
ANC chief whip Ina Cronje said her party had approached the IFP on the issue on several occasions. “We told them the opening was a ceremonial occasion and not a time to make political speeches.”
It had also argued that under Zulu custom, songs of praise for a lower-ranking person such as Buthelezi, in King Goodwill Zwelithini’s presence, were tantamount to insulting the king.