Deliver or face the wrath of the people

ZULU monarch King Goodwill Zwelithini yesterday cautioned elected representatives that if they failed to deliver, people would rise against them.

Zwelithini issued the warning at the opening of the provincial legislature at Pietermaritzburg's Royal Showgrounds.

Zwelithini cited the latest political developments in the Arab world as examples.

He said they should serve as a lesson on what happens when leaders are out of touch with the people.

Zwelithini said in a democratic dispensation positions did not belong to individuals and each representative had to be ready to pass the baton to others.

"These days the African continent is witnessing uprisings as people rebel against leaders who do not serve their interests.

"Let's accept that people want to see tangible change in their lives. As leaders, we must learn from that," Zwelithini said.

He said what happened in Egypt and Tunisia was now happening in Libya and were examples of people having lost confidence in their leaders and governments.

He said the history of Tunisia and Egypt must be lessons to rulers who clung to power and refused to listen to their people.

"Let us learn from these leaders of Tunisia and Egypt who met resistance when they thought they could occupy positions for decades when they are not traditional leaders whose positions are bestowed on them by God," he said.

Zwelithini also warned people not to be naïve and think that people can only get HIV-Aids through sex.

He said there were many ways that this virus could be contracted, including during accidents.

Zwelithini also used the opportunity to urge the leaders of the country's political parties to refrain from making inflammatory political speeches leading up to the coming municipal elections.

"We pray that the elections be free and fair and that the results be accepted as the will of the people," he said.

Zwelithini also praised national police commissioner General Bheki Cele for doing his job "exceptionally well".

"I wish to praise Ndosi for a job well done.

"We have all seen how well he has done in dealing with crime and ensuring that criminals are arrested," he said.

Zwelithini then urged Cele to fight the use of the deadly drug wunga, saying it was destroying young people, especially in KwaZulu-Natal.

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