Durban — Responding to accusations levelled at the head of the Anglican Church, Reverend Dr Thabo Makgoba, over the religious service he performed at King Misuzulu’s recognition by the government, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi said the blame should be laid squarely on him.
Buthelezi uttered these sentiments in response to what he called the “distressing accusations” made by the Indonsa yeSizwe think tank, under the names of Reverend Musa Xulu, Dr Makhosi Khoza and Dr Themba Fakazi, who claimed that the role played by the Anglican Church in the ceremony was an attempt at ‘recolonisation’.
The ceremony was held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Buthelezi said: “As the traditional prime minister to the Zulu monarch and nation, I played an important role in the arrangements for the ceremony. As we were installing a Christian king who worships at the Nazareth Baptist Church, I felt it important to have a Christian element to the ceremony.
“Accordingly, I approached the king and sought his guidance on this, and he requested I appeal to the head of the Anglican Church, Reverend Thabo Makgoba, to perform a religious service.
“I am devastated by this accusation against the head of my church, whom I myself asked to be present and whom I requested to do what he did. If there is any blame to be apportioned, that blame should fall squarely on my shoulders,” Buthelezi said.
“It is a tremendous pity that it (Indonsa yeSizwe) has chosen to take this stance of accusing the Anglican Church of trying to recolonise our nation,” Buthelezi said.
Daily News
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