Durban - It is still not clear whether the controversial Thembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo will be given a platform to address mourners at Madiba’s funeral on Sunday following his latest public outburst.
The Daily Dispatch reported on Monday that Dalindyebo nearly exchanged blows with mourners at a funeral at the weekend for publicly insulting one of his wives.
It was the funeral of Ngwenyathi Joyi in Bhaziya near Mthatha.
Dalindyebo, who has since joined the DA, also made headlines earlier this year for publicly insulting President Jacob Zuma.
Thembu royal house spokesman Chief Bovulengwe Mfundo Mtirara said on Monday that it w as not yet clear as to which speakers would be on the programme on Sunday.
“Yesterday in Houghton, like the other day when we were in Qunu, we met with the family, but we didn’t discuss the contents of the programme. We are meeting again in Qunu, but all I’m sure about is that he will attend the funeral.”
He said it was not a must that Dalindyebo should address mourners.
“But what I’m sure about is that after the funeral there is a period where our culture requires that he should praise, so he is going to lead that,” said Mtirara.
Madiba’s grandson Mandla Mandela said the list of speakers was not a family responsibility.
“You will have to ask the state that, it’s a state funeral and you’ve heard the president pronounce on that,” said Mandla.
On Saturday, the former president’s remains will be flown to the Eastern Cape from Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria.
The funeral service at Qunu on Sunday will conclude the 10- day State funeral period.
The Mercury