Descendent of Ndebele King defends Zulu King

A DESCENDANT of Ndebele King Lobengula Prince Zwide Khumalo has defended Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini saying he is not to blame for the xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Khumalo told journalists on Thursday that the media fuelled the anti-foreigner sentiments in the neighbouring country, leading to the death of at least seven people and displacement of thousands.

King Zwelithini has been accused of sparking the attacks that were more pronounced in KwaZulu Natal after he told a public meeting that foreigners should go back to their countries.

Khumalo, who is at the forefront of reviving the Ndebele kingdom, said he was inclined to believe the king's defence that he was misquoted by the media.

Khumalo said instead of investigating the reasons behind the xenophobic attacks to ensure the continent lives in harmony, the media had fuelled hatred.

Khumalo said uncontrolled social media activity had made the situation worse by sowing seeds of hatred among tribes in Zimbabwe and beyond.
He was referring to messages circulating on the WhatsApp platform urging people from Matabeleland to attack fellow countrymen from Mashonaland.

Zimbabwe has repatriated 737 people who were displaced by the xenophobic attacks.