AbaThembu King Declines to Vote in Elections
King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo says political parties have not shown genuine commitment to economic emancipation.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections
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AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo declined to vote in Wednesday's local government elections, a decision confirmed in a statement by AbaThembu Royal Ambassador Dr Matthew Mpahlwa. The Kingdom said the position is not directed at any particular political party.
Why it matters
The King stated that political parties have not demonstrated genuine commitment to economic emancipation and that he saw no reason to harness political differences via the ballot box. The Kingdom added that he has stayed away from political engagements and events since November.
The King's stance contrasts with his October 2021 appearance at a Mthatha rally with Julius Malema, when he urged support for the EFF. The Kingdom has not said whether the King's stance will change before future elections.
The players
Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo
Dalindyebo is the AbaThembu king who declined to vote and has previously appeared at political events, including a 2021 rally with Julius Malema.
Julius Malema
Malema is the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, the party whose manifesto launch in Mthatha the King did not attend.
Matthew Mpahlwa
Mpahlwa is the AbaThembu Royal Ambassador who issued the statement confirming the King's decision not to vote.
The details
The King declined to vote in Wednesday's local government elections, and Mpahlwa confirmed the decision in a statement. The Kingdom said Dalindyebo would not attend the EFF manifesto launch in Mthatha and that he believes manifestos amount to lip service without realising economic emancipation.
Timeline
October 2021: King appears with Julius Malema at a Mthatha rally urging an EFF vote.
Last year: King hosts Israeli officials amid floods; government declares a diplomat persona non grata.
Last weekend: EFF manifesto launch in Mthatha, which the King does not attend.
4 November 2026: King declines to vote in local government elections.
Political Context
The King's 2021 rally appearance with Julius Malema contrasts with his refusal to vote in the 2026 local government elections. The Kingdom says the stance is not aimed at any particular party.
Voters in South Africa's local government elections are not directly affected by the King's personal decision, but the abstention highlights how traditional leaders are engaging with the ballot. The Kingdom has said the stance is not aimed at any party.
The takeaway
Traditional leaders' positions on elections can shift quickly, so readers should follow official Kingdom statements for the latest word on participation. The King's stance shows that abstention can be a deliberate political message rather than a simple absence.
Further reading
Explore more on Elections coverage for South Africa.
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