Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who holds the top post in the KwaZulu-Natal House of Traditional Leaders, on Friday withdrew his nomination for the chairperson position.

"I am not prepared to be used as a tool to divide our traditional leadership, nor am I prepared to preside over a divided house or a divided institution of traditional leadership," Buthelezi said at the Durban Exhibition Centre where the election was taking place.

He said he had held the post since 1994 and had done everything in his power to promote the cause of the Zulu kingdom.

Buthelezi also announced to the gathering that he would abstain from the voting process.

His announcement came after the Independent Electoral Commission tallied nominations which placed another traditional leader ahead of Buthelezi.

Bhekisisa Bhengu had 28 nominations while Buthelezi had only 24.

It was then that the Inkatha Freedom Party leader withdrew from the race.

Without contest, Bhengu was named the new chairman with Mpiyezintombi Mzimela as the deputy chair.

KwaZulu-Natal's 11 district houses of traditional leaders chose their new leaders two weeks ago.

The election of the house's new leadership comes as Buthelezi faces fierce pressure from IFP Youth Brigade members, who want him replaced by a young blood.

The entire youth brigade leadership was suspended at the weekend, after it agitated for a change in the party's leadership.

It is lobbying for Buthelezi to be removed during the party's elective conference in Ulundi in July this year.

The youth wing blames senior leaders for party's poor showing in last month's general elections.

In his withdrawal speech, Buthelezi said he had dedicated his entire life to foster the unity and prosperity of the Zulu nation and remained committed to this historical goal.

"I would never do anything to jeopardise the final realisation of these goals," he said.

"We are at a strange juncture of transformation which has created confusion between long-term goals and short-term personal and political gains and benefits."

He said it was clear that the collegial body of traditional leaders of the Zulu Kingdom was not ready to speak with a unanimous voice.

"Historically, whenever our traditional leadership has united, our kingdom has prospered. Whenever it has been divided, our kingdom as suffered," Buthelezi said.

He said the sole tactic utilised by their opponents was to undermine their kingdom and divide the traditional leadership.

Buthelezi also pledged to support the new chairman and co-operate with him.

Sapa

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