Local government head Daniel Garwe felt upset when Bulawayo mayor David Coltart met with Bulelani Lobengula Khumalo as Ndebele king. Garwe sent Coltart a letter saying Zimbabwe only recognizes chiefs, not kings. He called the meeting shocking, saying the government has always rejected claims that Bulelani should lead the Ndebele people. Garwe told Coltart to stop meeting this person, calling such actions against the law. He asked the mayor to explain within seven days why he invited Bulelani, whom he called a foreigner.
Coltart had met Khumalo on April 21 at City Hall. After their talk, the mayor said they discussed honoring King Mzilikazi's history through special days and historic sites. A local group called Ibhetshu LikaZulu defended the mayor, saying Khumalo became king through proper Ndebele customs. They said Bulelani comes from the King Lobengula family line, making him the right person for this role. The group added that attacking this meeting insults all Ndebele people who respect their past kings.
Bulelani Khumalo was born in South Africa. In 2018, traditional leaders crowned him Ndebele king during a secret ceremony. Mayor Coltart did not want to discuss the letter on Tuesday.
Coltart had met Khumalo on April 21 at City Hall. After their talk, the mayor said they discussed honoring King Mzilikazi's history through special days and historic sites. A local group called Ibhetshu LikaZulu defended the mayor, saying Khumalo became king through proper Ndebele customs. They said Bulelani comes from the King Lobengula family line, making him the right person for this role. The group added that attacking this meeting insults all Ndebele people who respect their past kings.
Bulelani Khumalo was born in South Africa. In 2018, traditional leaders crowned him Ndebele king during a secret ceremony. Mayor Coltart did not want to discuss the letter on Tuesday.
