Recalled king of the AbaThembu Royal House, Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, criticised President Jacob Zuma during a speech in Lady Grey in the Eastern Cape, according to a report.

The Daily Dispatch reported that a video recording showed Dalindyebo attacking Zuma and government officials at a funeral three weeks ago.

“You have this most senior councillor called the president. It’s unfortunate that you voted for these leaders,” Dalindyebo said.

“If I had powers to pick and choose who must become the country’s president, I would have recalled the current one [Zuma] long ago.” 

During his speech, Dalindyebo made it clear that he did not approve of Zuma or his government despite earlier endorsing Zuma for a second term.

He likened government leaders to cats who feed on milk while cows are starving due to drought.

Senior government officials present at the funeral walked out while he was speaking.

The AbaThembu Royal House has since decided to recall him as king, according to the report.