Kwazulu-Natal Premier Nomsa MaDube-Ncube missed an opportunity to host the country’s leaders at Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s funeral because she was attending Climate Week in New York.

ANC provincial chairperson Siboniso Duma had to stand in for MaDube-Ncube and introduce President Cyril Ramaphosa when it was time for him to deliver the eulogy.

MaDube-Ncube’s spokesperson Bongi Gwala told Scrolla.Africa that the premier is in New York because she is a co-chair of the Coalition on Climate Change.

“The premier is in New York attending Climate Week. KwaZulu-Natal is one of the five co-chairs of the Coalition on Climate Change,” said Gwala.

Gwala’s response came after criticism erupted on social media following Duma’s deployment to act on behalf of the premier at the State Funeral.

Political analyst Thobani Zikalala said that since MaDube-Ncube took over as premier, she has often been absent from high-profile ceremonies for the Zulu nation.

“It might be that Duma is being prepared to take over the premiership come 2024. Right now, these historic events are being used to build the image of Duma for premiership,” said Zikalala.

“Remember when Thabo Mbeki was removed, Kgalema Motlanthe acted for six months while Zuma was being prepared to take over as State President,” said Zikalala.

When the Zulu nation observed the rituals of King Misuzulu’s entry to the kraal, a ceremony attended by thousands of dignitaries, Duma also represented the provincial government.

Pictured above: President Cyril Ramaphosa and ANC provincial chairperson Siboniso Duma at Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s funeral

Image source: Supplied