EFF's Malema shocked by R35,000 price tag of traditional Zulu attire at royal wedding

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema compared the price of imvunulo (Zulu traditional attire) to the high-end French apparel Louis Vuitton.

Malema was one of the dignitaries at the umgcagco ceremony (Zulu wedding) of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and Queen Nomzamo kaMyeni at KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace, in Nongoma, on Sunday.

Malema arrived wearing a short sleeve black button-up shirt with matching pants with imbatha (leopard skin hide) and umqhele (leopard hide headgear), and he said someone told him his traditional attire was fake.

"I sent the EFF secretary general, Marshall Dlamini, to buy me the traditional attire, assuming he knew about traditional attire. There's a man who told me that I was wearing a fake."

He said the person then gave him the authentic attire.

Malema was surprised by the R35 000 price tag, which included a neckpiece adorned with leopard's claws.

"I thought this guy gave me the imvunulo because he liked me. Little did I know that he'd give me a speed point to pay. I was told it cost R35 000. The imvunulo costs the same as Louis Vuitton."

Malema added that it was a good thing that traditional attire cost the same as international fashion brands.

The EFF leader also expressed his support for King Misuzulu's monarchy. He also donated two cattle to the king.

The price of the Zulu traditional attire has become sought-after due to the rise of national pride exhibited by many traditional ceremonies. The complete attire for men can cost as much as R80 000 due to the sourced material; which is mainly the leopard hide, bird feathers, and accessories like ihawu (a shield made of cow hide).

Online shopping platforms also sell synthetic traditional attire at a lesser price, the kind that Malema initially wore before he had to change to the authentic attire at more than R30 000.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE