Lindiwe Zulu denied access to Nelson Mandela’s Qunu homestead

It was a tough day in the office early this morning for ANC NEC member and Minister of Small Business Development Lindiwe Zulu.

After alighting from her car to the entrance of the famed former statesman’s home, tight security waved her back.

It is unclear whether they simply didn’t recognise her or that she lacked the correct accreditation into the homestead, where ANC heavyweights will later have a private meeting with Mvezo chief and ANC MP Mandla Mandela.

Zulu started her day on a cheerful note, informing her Facebook followers that she looked forward to today’s engagement.

The leaders are visiting the home of the former ANC president as part of the movement’s 106th celebration.

“No task can be insurmountable for the ANC, its leadership and members. Each phase has its challenges…working together…we will build a better South Africa! In Qunu. Respectfully!,” she wrote.

No easy access for ANC NEC member and Small Businesses Minister Lindiwe Zulu.She disembarked from the car transporting her and only allowed in after Mthembu came to the gate to fetch her. #ANC106 #Qunu pic.twitter.com/ShZPPPVkox

— Hlengiwe Nhlabathi-Mokota (@Hlengi) January 11, 2018

Action moved to the Qunu community hall, where the indomitable former MK operative welcomed ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa to the event.

#ANC106 @MYANC President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived at Qunu community hall. Ramaphosa is seen greeting #ANCNEC members @JacksonMthembu_ and Lindiwe Zulu outside the hall. @ANN7tv pic.twitter.com/wB1huWLQSW

— Kalden O Lachungpa (@KaldenOngmu) January 11, 2018

It was made clear it was the police officers who actually refused her entrance to the venue.

Security so tight at the Mandela homestead that ANC NEC member Lindiwe Zulu threatened to go back to EL because cops wouldn’t allow her inside. Jackson Mthembu had to be called to fetch her. #ANC106 pic.twitter.com/ZB0qiDqbeR

— Communist idea (@LoyisoSidimba) January 11, 2018

Indeed, it appears security had beefed up in anticipation of the high-profile visitors expected at Mandela’s ancestral home as well as media crews from around the world.

Police in Qunu. Facebook.

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