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Durban – The ANC Youth League in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday said it would not heed King Goodwill Zwelithini’s demands made on Heritage Day.
However, it said it would be meeting with Zwelithini to understand some of the challenges he raised on September 24.
The Daily News reported that King Goodwill Zwelithini was addressing a gathering in KwaDukuza when he reportedly lashed out on the provincial government for erecting banners that bore photographs of politicians.
According to the report, the king wanted the banners to have his photo and complained about the maintenance of his palaces.
The monarch reportedly also presented a wish-list, including a royal defence force, power to appoint and dismiss junior traditional leaders, and a 17-gun salute, among other things.
Speaking at the media briefing in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal ANC Youth League secretary Thanduxolo Sabela said the government banners were not going anywhere.
"We want to meet with the King and understand the challenges he has raised and seek a common ground with him as our king.
"We believe that the government is the government of the people and in any event that uses taxpayer’s money, government emblems must be there so that people can see where their money was used."
"Banners of the Office of the Premier or the Department of Arts and Culture must be erected at those events. We are clear on that one and we are not going to back down," said Sabela.
He said government banners would continue to be used, despite the king's demands.
"We call upon the premier and the ANC provincial officials to meet with the king to find a lasting solution to the matters raised," said Sabela.
