No Stability Without the Zulus

In yet another challenge to democracy in South Africa, the Zulu-based Inkatha Freedom Party plans to boycott the nation’s first free multiracial elections. This protest isn’t expected to derail the election of Nelson Mandela as the country’s next president; he clearly is the favorite of most black South Africans, including some Zulus, and he can also count on limited white support in the April balloting. But Mandela and President Frederik W. de Klerk must figure out some way to resolve the concerns of Zulus or, as Monday’s demonstrations indicated, face more threats to the hope for peaceful democracy.

Thousands of Zulus protested outside a meeting between De Klerk and Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini. Shots were fired and at least one person was killed. The killing provides another reminder of the rivalries in the new South Africa. What’s needed now is hands-on negotiation, perhaps led by a more aggressive Organization of African Unity.

De Klerk’s session with the Zulu king did not go well. The king insisted that Zulus would reject the new constitution and defy the new government. They want nothing less than their own independent state. This political impasse is yet another consequence of apartheid. That philosophy, advocated for decades by De Klerk’s National Party, resulted in the creation of so-called “independent” black homelands. Zulus rejected total independence but accepted self-government and all the perks, patronage and public dollars that rewarded that obeisance.

Their elected leader--another Zulu chief, Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi--stands to lose power when Mandela takes over. In April, Buthelezi will also have to give up his dream of becoming the first black president of South Africa. That dream had been nurtured for years by white leaders who appreciated Buthe- lezi’s anti-communist stance and his opposition to economic sanctions and the political struggle advocated by Mandela’s African National Congress. Buthelezi was quickly eclipsed by Mandela after the latter’s release from prison four years ago, but the Zulu leader refused to acquiesce without a fight.

The Zulu nation’s current course is a not very well disguised demand for respect. Parties that have influence with Inkatha must understand this but in the end prevail on all Zulus to participate in the new democracy.