The Zulu king, Goodwill Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu, has denounced corruption in the South African government.
He says it shows that public officials do not respect South African voters.
Mbube (the Zulu king) welcomed the introduction of royal police reservists in traditionally-led communities.
The 100 officers were paraded before him in Nyokeni, Nongoma, on Thursday.
The king has named the reservists Zitoyitoyi.
The king (also affectionately referred to as the beast) says the government should respect voters and the officials should stop being so clumsy. He says if not dealt with properly, graft could destabilise the county and collapse the economy.
“We could end up like other African countries. A nation that does not learn from the mistakes of others, especially with regards to proximity between its leaders and people. It is bound to fall into the same pit,” he says.
King Zwelithini also blasted South Africans who torch and destroy property during protests, urging them to respect the country’s leaders.
On the issue of gender-based violence – he called on the Zulu nation to introspect as it is often regarded as a violent community. He called on men to change their ways. “Being a man comes with responsibilities. Abusing women and children disqualifies one from being called a man,” he warned.
Police Minister Bheki Cele led the police’s delegation to the Royal Palace.
The deployment is part of the government’s bid to strengthen capacity to address criminality in rural areas.
Cele has emphasised the need to keep all South Africans safe. – Report by the Maputaland FM news team