Let's learn from Arab uprisings: Zwelithini

2011-02-21 14:18

Pietermaritzburg - Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini on Monday cautioned elected representatives against aloof leadership, saying the developments in the Arab states should serve as a lesson on what happens when leaders are out of touch.

"Let us accept that people want to see tangible changes in their lives," he said at the opening of the KwaZulu-Natal legislature.

People demanded tangible evidence and were growing impatient with leaders failing to deliver services, he said.

Citing Egypt as an example, he said the country's history had not stopped it being engulfed by the uprisings which had led to the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak.

He warned public representatives that positions were not eternal.

In a democratic dispensation, positions did not belong to individuals and each representative had to be ready to pass the baton to others.

"Let us learn from these leaders of other countries who met with resistance when they thought they could occupy positions for decades when they are not traditional leaders whose positions are bestowed to them by God," he said.

The changes in the Arab world were an illustration of people's maturity and the effects of the 21st century on their hopes for better lives.

They demanded leaders who were in touch with people's realities.

"In short, people want to know that those leaders they trust with their futures, have their futures at heart."

The opening of the legislature was attended by number of high profile personalities including former KwaZulu-Natal premier Sbu Ndebele, who is now the minister of transport, Police Commissioner General Bheki Cele and representatives of other provinces.

- SAPA