Mchunu laments escalating crime, political tension in KZN

KwaZulu-Natal premier Willies Mchunu has called on traditional leaders to help restore peace and stability in the province.

Mchunu delivered the keynote address at the memorial lecture in honour of the late ANC veteran Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo Monday night.

Mchunu raised concerns over escalating crime and political tension in the province.

The ANC veteran earned a reputation as a peace chief for his resistance to the IFP domination in the province.

He was also well-known for his struggle to quell alleged state-sponsored violence in the province during the last years of apartheid.

Mchunu challenged other traditional leaders to walk in the footsteps of inkosi Maphumulo to fight for peace.

He says: “Our task as the ANC is to unite and not to divide. We unite in the most difficult circumstances. Mhlabunzima played an important role in ensuring peace and unity. I challenge amakhosi to do the same.”

Maphumulo’s son Inkosi Nhlakanipho Maphumulo also called for unity within the ANC.

He said late struggle icons would be very disappointed with the squabbles within the party.

“It hurts to see that not everyone who is a member of the ANC are here to serve the people. Others are here to benefit themselves. But what hurts the most is the internal fights and factions within the party. My father would be disappointed. Im not supporting any individual, I am for the ANC,” says Inkosi Nhlakanipho Maphumulo.