Analyst warns ANC of electoral suicide over KZN name change as Zulu Prince rebukes 'disrespectful' politicians
The Zulu Royal House has criticised politicians for publicly opposing King Misuzulu kaZwelithini's proposal to rename the province to KwaZulu. A political analyst warns the ANC that confronting the monarch is electoral suicide in a province where the monarch is held in high regard.
Image: KZN DSAC/ Sphamandla Mbhele
A political analyst has cautioned the African National Congress (ANC) against opposing King Misuzulu Sinqobile kaZwelithini’s proposal to rename KwaZulu-Natal to KwaZulu warning that a confrontation with the monarch could be electoral suicide.
The King proposed the change last month in Nquthu, northen KZN, during the 147th commemoration of the Battle of Isandlwana, celebrating the Zulu warriors' historic victory over British forces.
Rising Political Stakes
Zakhele Ndlovu, a political science lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, noted that the ANC risks further losing ground in the province ahead of the November local government elections if it is seen as "going toe-to-toe" with the King.
Ndlovu’s warning follows a sharp rebuke from Prince Thulani kaGqikazi Zulu of the eZibindini Royal House. The Prince slammed politicians for engaging in public debates with the monarch, describing their conduct as a sign of eroding respect for the throne.
The friction began after Mike Mabuyakhulu, the ANC Provincial Task Team coordinator in KZN, remarked during a briefing that the party saw no issue with the province’s current name. While the ANC later clarified it has no official stance and urged against "divisive speculation" until formal constitutional processes begin, the damage in the eyes of the Royal House appeared done.
The debate about the name change of KwaZulu-Natal is intensifying with three political parties supporting King Misuzulu kaZwelithini's call to drop Natal.
Image: Gemini
A Question of Respect
Prince Thulani argued that responding to the King via the media is culturally improper.
"In KwaZulu, our King is respected. When the Zulu King speaks and offers his opinion, and politicians respond with agitation in the media, that is improper," said Prince Thulani.
"I think the level of respect has dissipated. The monarch spoke because he wanted the people to engage in discussion, not for people to jump to a microphone and hide behind politics to oppose him."
Electoral Risks
While the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) have all backed the name change, the ANC remains in a delicate position.
Ndlovu pointed out that while the ANC is entitled to its own views, the perception of being at odds with the King is risky. He recalled the 2021 local government elections, where the ANC suffered significant losses in KZN following allegations that some of its provincial leaders were opposed to King Misuzulu’s ascension to the throne during the succession dispute following the passing of King Goodwill Zwelithini.
"The truth is we are no longer in an era where it is taboo to disagree with the King," Ndlovu said.
"The ANC has a right to its view. However, many Zulus are deeply proud of their heritage and hold the King in high regard. Any party that is perceived to be going against him will have a problem at the polls."