Why People Slaughtered Giraffes and Springboks at Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s Funeral
The recent viral video of giraffes and springboks being slaughtered at the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s funeral has left South Africans with many questions.
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It’s not something people are accustomed to seeing at high-profile funerals in our country.
So, what’s the story behind these unusual additions to the funeral proceedings?
The Giraffes and Springboks at Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s Funeral
Videos circulating online showed a truck from Ezemvelo in KwaZulu-Natal, loaded with two giraffes and six impalas. Its crane carefully hoisted the two towering giraffes before setting off for Ulundi.
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It went to Prince Buthelezi’s home in KwaPhindangene in Ulundi, north of KZN, on Thursday, September 14th.
Another vehicle transported the six springboks to be part of the late royal’s funeral. These animals were later slaughtered upon arrival, and the plan was for mourners to enjoy them as part of the funeral feast.
Giraffe and Impala Meat being prepared for Prince Mangosuthu funeral.
The truck from Ezemvelo KZN, loaded with two giraffes and six impalas, arrived at Prince Buthelezi’s home in KwaPhindangene in Ulundi north of KZN on Thursday, 14 September evening.#MangosuthuButhelezi pic.twitter.com/AZY2TeTPni
— Vehicle Trackers (@VehicleTrackerz) September 14, 2023
Why Were Giraffes and Springboks Slaughtered at the Funeral?
To shed some light on this unusual practice, eNCA spoke to cultural expert Khaya Ndwandwe, who clarified the mystery surrounding the giraffes.
“Some people yesterday said traditional soldiers went to hunt for the giraffes. Let me put it clearly. It’s a donation from Ezemvelo. You remember Khoisans lived with, hunted and ate giraffes. So people don’t know that giraffe is just meat, just like cattle. So, it is not a culture. It’s a donation from Ezemvelo Wildlife [Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife].”
A giraffe and springboks were slaughtered yesterday in preparation for Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s funeral. Cultural expert Khaya Ndwandwe explains the significance. #DStv403 #eNCA pic.twitter.com/knfAqi3Uvy
— eNCA (@eNCA) September 15, 2023
Mixed Reactions to the Slaughter of Wild Animals
The inclusion of giraffes and springboks at Prince Buthelezi’s funeral certainly caught many South Africans by surprise.
Chris:
“They filed a case against Malema for slaughtering a cow with a bread knife. I wanna see what’s gonna happen with this one.”
Lahngz:
“It would be the 1st time in my life I learned that a Giraffe is edible!”
Thahla:
“I smell a court case pending just for the giraffe”
Brando:
“I’ve never heard of giraffes being edible, but I’m not surprised. Ever since I learnt about crocodile meat, I’m not shocked about what people eat.”