Sowetan Reporter

Sowetan Reporter

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for local government, housing and traditional affairs Mike Mabuyakhulu has had papers served on IFP president Mangosuthu Buthelezi, demanding a public apology.

The action is said to be a sequel to an incident during the Freedom Day celebrations in Mandeni in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Buthelezi allegedly pointed a finger and shouted at Mabuyakhulu in full view of thousands of members of the public.

Mabuyakhulu's spokesman, Lennox Mabaso, said yesterday that lawyers for the MEC had served papers on Buthelezi, demanding a public apology after he had allegedly "insulted" Mabuyakhulu in public.

Mabaso said the papers had been served on Buthelezi, who is also chairman of the province's House of Traditional Leaders, in his private capacity.

"I can confirm that lawyers representing the MEC have served papers on Buthelezi in his legal persona after the incident on Freedom Day," Mabaso said. "The MEC awaits a response."