Mandela’s Tribal King Defects From Ruling ANC

{{Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, the king of Nelson Mandela’s Thembu tribe, has defected from the ruling African national Congress (ANC) to join the Democratic Alliance (DA), days after launching a fierce attack on President Jacob Zuma.}}

Dalindyebo, who rules over Mandela’s tribe in the Eastern Cape province, the ANC heartland, was photographed holding a DA membership card in a very public snub to the ruling party.

Last week, Dalindyebo – no stranger to controversy – called Zuma a parasite, accusing him of being in the pocket of corrupt individuals.

Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesman, Mmusi Maimane, said although they do not agree with some of the king’s statements “anyone is free to join the DA.”

The king has spoken about his regular use of cannabis and has been charged with manslaughter, arson, assault and kidnapping.

“We believe that he represents an important component of society in the Eastern Cape,” Maimane said.

The predominantly white party, which runs the Western Cape province, is trying to boost its profile in black areas ahead of the 2014 elections.

Dalindyebo was visited at his palace by DA regional leader, Athol Trollip, after he expressed a desire to join the party.

Tribal chiefs in South Africa are seen as crucial for tapping the rural electorate, which bears the brunt of poverty and lack of services.

The controversial king claimed joining the party would be a gift to the ailing Mandela, whom he has visited in hospital.

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