Daily Sun (December 17 2013) - LAST week abaThembu king Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo promised to be at Tata's funeral. But by Sunday he had decided to boycott the final chapter in the life of South Africa's greatest son. The king simply refused to share the stage with President Jacob Zuma.
Prince Thandulwazi Mhlontlo, the king's right-hand man, told Daily Sun the king decided he couldn't be present at an occasion attended by Zuma.
"He doesn't trust Zuma and doesn't think he is honest," said Mhlontlo.
Mhlontlo said Dalindyebo had promised the Mandelas he would attend the funeral. Clan elders had convinced him to attend after he threatened in the media that he would not go because Zuma was the chief mourner.
On Saturday, the king was at Mthatha Airport, standing alongside clan rivals awaiting Madiba's body. He was talking to Graca Machel and hugged mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
Mandela family spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Themba Mathanzima confirmed that the king led rituals on Saturday at Madiba's home.
But Dalindyebo snubbed the funeral held at Mandela's home village of Qunu, outside Mthatha.
It appears the king's dislike of Zuma overcame him and he could not bring himself to attend.
According to Mhlontlo, the king is annoyed about promises made by Zuma's administration which were broken. He also feels Zuma does not treat him like other Xhosa kings.
Zuma promised to build a cultural village at the homestead to accommodate his visitors but the king doesn't even have offices to run his affairs.
And Mhlontlo said Dalindyebo had not been consulted about the funeral preparations for Madiba.
Bovulengwe Mtirara, the king's spokesman, confirmed that Dalindyebo was not at the funeral.
Tensions have been simmering between the king and Mandla Mandela and meetings attended by Madiba's close friend Bantu Holomisa of the UDM, led to the king agreeing to welcome Madiba's body when it landed at Mthatha Airport on Saturday.
The king's running battles with Madiba's grandson Mandla are well- known. Mandla is backed by clan factions eager to remove Dalindyebo as king. And Dalindyebo has publicly denounced the ANC and joined the opposition DA.
Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj's phone was off and he was not available for comment.
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