ABATHEMBU King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, who continued with his campaign to lambast President Jacob Zuma, calling him a corrupt and selfish individual at the weekend, has broken ties with the ANC and would join the DA.

He made the announcement during the installation of one of his chiefs at Mbolompo village near Mthatha on Friday and during an interview at his Bumbane Great Place on Saturday.

Dalindyebo is the head of the Thembu Royal House, under whose jurisdiction the Mandela and Matanzima families as well as Mtirara, Joyi and Mnqandeni fall.

He said the ANC has lost its way, and had pushed corrupt leaders to the top.

The outspoken king said he had informed DA leaders Helen Zille and Athol Trollip about his intention to join the DA.

“My decision will, however, be communicated to the traditional leaders of AbaThembu during a meeting at Bumbane Great Place,” said Dalindyebo.

He would also announce his decision to a general meeting of all AbaThembu on July 25. —