Cape Town – The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal has reportedly proposed that former president Jacob Zuma lead a team of party leaders in organising a cleansing ceremony.
The ceremony aims to address the lingering pain and trauma caused by political violence in the early 1990s, during which an estimated 20 000 lives were lost in conflicts mainly between ANC and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) supporters.
According to Zulu cultural beliefs, a cleansing ceremony is necessary after bloodshed to prevent further tragedies.
The recent increase in political assassinations and murders is believed by cultural experts to be connected to the absence of proper cleansing rituals following the earlier violence.
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“The ANC recognises the fact that this province was once ravaged by political violence. Therefore Zuma and all other senior leaders of the ANC will help ensure that the breeze of peace blows throughout the corners of the province as we approach the general elections,” The Witness quoted ANC provincial spokesperson, Mafika Mndebele as saying.
Jacob Zuma, who played a significant role in mediating peace during the 1990s between ANC and IFP supporters, is seen as having a role to play in healing the current tensions.
According to Daily Maverick, concerns are growing over the frequent occurrences of political and other violent killings in KwaZulu-Natal, with political parties and organisations expressing worry.
The region has been witnessing a disturbing trend of councillors and political figures being assassinated regularly, the report said.
This situation is expected to worsen as the 2024 general elections approach and political parties escalate their campaigning efforts.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu