WeeklySA_AdminABOUT-TURN: EFF unfazed after the AbaThembu monarch smokes the peace-pipe with the ruling party at election rally…
By Siyabonga Kamnqa
Controversial Abathembu king Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo is ‘back home’ in the African National Congress fold. The Abathembu monarch was a surprise guest at the ANC Mayihlome Rally held in Tsazo Village in Ngcobo in the Eastern Cape last Friday.
There were wild ululations as Eastern Cape premier and ANC chairperson Oscar Mabuyane walked hand-in-hand with Dalindyebo – clad in ANC regalia – as they arrived at the packed venue.
Once a staunch critic of the ANC, it seems the monarch has since made an about-turn. As Mabuyane descended on the podium, Dalindyebo accompanied him and stood next to Mabuyane as he was addressing thousands of crowds. He stood next to Mabuyane throughout his speech.
Mabuyane said the Chris Hani district was very important to the ANC as it was home to stalwarts such as Chris Hani, Walter Sisulu, Vuyisile Mini, Albertina Sisulu and Dr AB Xuma.
He said the ANC remained a party of hard-working leaders and there was no place for wolves in sheep’s clothing in the party. Firing on all cylinders, Mabuyane said ‘fly-by-night’ parties will never defeat the party at the polls.
“In 2019 we had only 48 political parties in the ballot box. But this year there is a whopping 350 parties – a clear sign that most of them are just opportunists. They are just wasting their time and will never fool our people,” he said.
Mabuyane said the ANC would be victorious in the upcoming elections because the party have worked hard to improve the lives of the people.
He said what the party needed to do in the build-up to the elections was to intensify voter contact in the province.
“Let us explain to the people what we are doing to right our wrongs. But the good thing is that our people can clearly see the improvements in their lives. Gravel roads are being tarred and more clinics and hospitals are being built,” he said.
Turning to Dalindyebo, Mabuyane said the king was ‘back home’ and was now a full member of Umkhonto WeSizwe, “not this Umkhonto WeSisu (Spear of the Stomach)”.
Dalindyebo also addressed the crowd, saying he was the owner of the ANC and that he was not an outcast in the party. Dalindyebo, who also celebrated his 60th birthday yesterday, said he felt honoured to be celebrating his special day “among the children of Oliver Tambo”.
“I was born into this movement despite the fact that I tend to speak my mind when I feel things are not being done the proper way. I am the Lion of Judah and of the Thembu nation and no one can tell me anything about the ANC,” he said.
The strong crowd later sang: “Happy Birthday Zwelibanzi” as the king cut his birthday cake on stage. The king’s surprise appearance and show of support for the ANC inevitably raised eyebrows as he has been known to be a supporter of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), which bought AbaThembu king a R1.8 million luxurious Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV in November 2021. But the EFF was quoted by The Citizen as saying they would not repossess the vehicle.
The party confirmed this to The Citizen on Saturday, emphasising that the car was a gift not a “bribe” in exchange for the king’s support.
Last Friday, the celebratory scenes triggered confusion and much speculation over the political alliance of Dalindyebo who is known for being a staunch supporter of the EFF and a close friend of its leader Julius Malema.
One of the powerful regions in the Eastern Cape, the ANC received 84 percent in the Chris Hani district in the 2019 polls. Among the top ANC brass who attended were ANC Women’s League president Sisisi Tolashe, Public Works Minister Sihle Zikalala, Mpumalanga premier Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane and Buffalo City mayor Princess Faku.
Chris Hani District executive mayor Lusanda Sizani said the region remained united because “we know what divisions can cause in a movement and we choose to be united.”
“More than 15 000 people have attended today’s event. That in itself is a clear indication that our people continue to love the ANC. We are certain of victory in the Chris Hani region. We are aware of the challenges that the people here are facing and we are working hard every day to ensure that we address the issue of unemployment and bringing services to the people,” said Siza.
Speaking at the rally, ANC NEC member Sihle Zikalala said the main priority of the ruling party was to fight poverty and unemployment and also address the high prices of food and petrol.
Taking a swipe at former President Jacob Zuma, now a leading figure behind uMkhonto we Sizwe Party, Zikalala said despite the fact that Zuma used to chant that it was cold outside the ANC, he too was set to feel that coldness. Addressing the rally, Tolashe praised the ANC for looking after women and children.
“Women and children are getting grants and it is all thanks to this ANC-led Government. We are only calling for agility from the leadership.”
