News24 | 'Damage control' mode: KZN ANC moves to quell tensions in wake of Duma's mic-grabbing 'hullabaloo'

Amanda Khoza

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Siboniso Duma, ANC KZN Chairperson and MEC for Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs. (Gallo Images/Darren Stewart)

ANC chairperson Siboniso Duma's apology to King Misuzulu kaZwelithini on Monday – with or without a herd of 100 cows – will prove to be a critical moment in averting simmering tensions between the ANC and IFP in KwaZulu-Natal ahead of the general elections in May.

While the mic-grabbing incident at the 110th commemoration of King Dinuzulu may appear insignificant, it has deadly ramifications because Duma and AmaZulu traditional prime minister Thulasizwe Buthelezi have evoked emotions their supporters had long buried – and sparked fears of fresh political violence in an already volatile province.

READ | Mic-grabbing incident: ANC's Mtolo says all Duma did was 'discipline an ill-disciplined character'