MBABANE – Self-exiled former Siphofaneni Member of Parliament (MP) Mduduzi ‘Gaw’zela’ Simelane has declared that he will never apologise to King Mswati III, drawing a clear line between himself and fellow former Ngwempisi MP Mthandeni Dube.
“I will never apologise,” Simelane said at an online family meeting live-streamed last night.
During the His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) Day on Friday, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Prince Simelane, knelt in front of His Majesty King Mswati III and informed him that Dube had requested him to act as an emissary, and share words of apologies on his behalf for his incarcerated crime.
Dube who was arrested together with the former Hosea MP, Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and were last year sentenced to prison terms of 18 years and 25 years, respectively.
However, Simelane said he does not blame Dube for apologizing but maintained that he would still not apologise.
“I cannot have a change of heart. I was once close to King Mswati – I was invited to his palaces. But I changed when Emaswati were being killed. That is when I chose the people,” he said.
Simelane rejected the narrative that seeking democracy equates to undermining the monarchy.
“We said what needed to be said. I will not apologise. I am no longer just Mduduzi Simelane. I am a freedom fighter,” he said.
Simelane also came to Dube’s defence, urging supporters not to judge him for apologising. He said Dube might have been under pressure and that this should not overshadow his commitment to the cause.
He compared Dube’s situation to that of Amos Mbedzi, the late activist who allegedly asked the High Commissioner of South Africa to apologise to the King on his behalf following the Lozitha Bridge bombing.
“Mbedzi was celebrated up to the grave. No one doubted his dedication. The same grace must be extended to Mthandeni,” said Simelane.
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