Nonkanyiso Conco, popularly known as LaConco, has come under fire for allegedly misrepresenting how she met former South African president Jacob Zuma. During a recent episode of her podcast, Timeline with LaConco, she claimed that she first encountered Zuma at a cultural event in Greytown during his presidency.
According to LaConco, she was left stranded at the event after transportation back to Durban had departed, leading to her being seated next to Zuma by an organizer. She described how Zuma’s attention shifted toward her after being introduced as the leader of the maidens.
However, cultural expert Dr. Nomagugu Ngobese has strongly refuted these claims, accusing LaConco of distorting historical and cultural facts. Ngobese, who was directly involved in overseeing LaConco’s participation in cultural activities, stated that LaConco was never a leader of the maidens, nor was she of marriageable age at the time, which would have disqualified her from such a role.
Furthermore, Ngobese dismissed LaConco’s claim of being stranded, asserting that their organization ensured proper transportation for all attendees. She warned that LaConco’s statements not only misrepresent AmaZulu culture but also set a harmful precedent for young maidens.
Ngobese also criticized LaConco’s past behavior, accusing her of positioning herself among VIPs at events even from a young age. She expressed concern over the damage these alleged fabrications could inflict on the reputation of cultural organizations and the broader AmaZulu traditions.
As debate swirls around LaConco’s account, her version of events continues to be met with skepticism, raising questions about the accuracy of her narrative and the broader impact of her statements on South African cultural heritage.