MAIN IMAGE: The rolling hills of rural KwaZulu Natal seen from the national road. The debate over ownership of land is heating up in South Africa. Photo by Serena Hawkey.
South African media were today reporting on tension between opposition leader Julius Malema and Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini over Malema’s call for expropriation of land without compensation. Zwelithini has warned that his warriors are ready to defend the three million hectares of rural land controlled by the Ingonyama Trust, which he heads. The trust was established in 1994 and placed control of tribal lands in KwaZulu Natal under the king.
Today the Sunday Times reported that Malema accused Zwelithini of “intimidating” those who were calling for expropriation of land without compensation.
The news outlet said Malema told a press conference on Thursday, “There are no holy cows in this country. We must debate issues openly‚ including disagreeing with the Zulu king. The Zulu king must call for engagement with regards to the land. He must be respected‚ he must not be feared. I don’t fear anyone‚ no one. I only fear God.”
See reports on News24 and Sunday Times below.
Read more at Sunday Times or News24
Malema takes aim at Zulu king over land: ‘There are no holy cows’
