The Editor
The Witness
Via email: [email protected]
Dear Editor:
I have taken note of Mr Skhumbuzo Miya’s article titled “King cracks whip on chiefs” (Witness: 14 March 2012). It warrants a response.
Mr Miya tries to create the impression that there was a sinister reason behind Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s absence from a recent traditional leaders’ function.
He states, “Chairperson of the Zululand House of Traditional Leaders and IFP President, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, was conspicuous with his absence at the function attended by, among others, KZN Cogta MEC Nomusa Dube and Zululand District Municipality Mayor Zanele Magwaza-Msibi”.
Prince Buthelezi is a Member of Parliament. He has a busy schedule. On the day in question, the National Assembly dealt with a number of important issues, including a debate on Human Rights Day. But more importantly, Prince Buthelezi never received an invitation to attend the meeting Mr Miya is referring to. Even if Prince Buthelezi wanted to avail himself, he wasn’t aware of it.
Mr Miya could easily have sourced this information. In the interests of responsible journalism, let’s stick to the facts.
Ms Liezl van der Merwe MP
Press Officer to Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi MP