Canaan Mdletshe

Canaan Mdletshe

After deliberating on claims by 11 amakhosi demanding status to that of the Zulu king, the KwaZulu-Natal cabinet yesterday said it recognised only the existing monarch.

Spokesman Mandla Msomi said: "The cabinet felt the existing legislation in the province relating to traditional leadership should put the matter to rest."

He said the legislation gave full recognition to King Goodwill Zwelithini.

But, they also recognised the amakhosis' democratic right to rectify what they believe had been distorted.

Inkosi Melizwe Dlamini of the Nhlangwini, said they were determined to forge ahead with their claim to the Nhlapo Commission because they believed they were engaged in a legal process in a responsible way.

"We will continue to prepare for our presentation before the commission to reveal the facts which, through colonial intervention, have distorted our history and heritage as a clan.

"We want the commission to redress those wrongs," Dlamini said.

He said the clan was one of the greatest in size and the richness of its history.

The amakhosi made headlines a fortnight ago when they made submissions to claim their kingship and be accorded the same status as the Zulu king.

They include leaders from the Nhlangwini, amaHlubi, amaNgwane, amaThonga, amaTembe, Mngomezulu, amaZizi, and amaNguni tribes.