Durban — King Misuzulu’s former spokesperson Prince Africa Zulu has formally returned to the royal kraal following his appointment to a crucial position of the kingdom’s Royal Fund Agent which entails marketing and investment.
Zulu was unceremoniously removed from his position after a public fallout with the king’s traditional prime minister, Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi, several months ago and has not been seen in public with the king for a long time. After keeping a low profile following his removal, the prince seemed to have amended his relationship with the king, hence his appointment.
According to the statement issued by the king, confirming Zulu’s appointment, which the Daily News has seen, the prince was given the mandate to be the only one dealing with anyone wanting to make pledges to the king.
In the statement, the king said when he ascended to the throne he was determined to defend the dignity and enhance the welfare of the royal family and the nation, but had not been able to attend to this important task due to relentless attack and destabilisation.
He said he was deeply moved by the various pledges of support from a variety of patriots both at the level of assisting him to defend the nation against such attacks and to meaningfully contribute in a manner that enabled him to promote the welfare and interests of the royal family and the nation.
He added that if there was a time when the Zulu nation needed patriots, it was now.
“Because in my position as a king I do not have the capacity to deal with such delicacies and details around pledges of support, I have been advised and thus considered it necessary to appoint a dedicated resource that will be responsible for attending to such pledges of support in a proper manner,” read the statement.
However, the king was quick to say Zulu’s appointment was in no way going to diminish his appreciation for all patriots who were coming forward, but was more a function of his attempts to do things properly.
“With the above in mind, I confirm that I have appointed and mandated His Royal Highness Prince Ngangezwe Africa of Onkweni Royal House kaMxhegu kaBasekele kaShingana kaMpande as an appropriate person to engage with any patriots that wished to discuss pledges of any support and ensuring that support is provided in a regular manner. No one carries such an appointment other than Prince Africa,” further read the king’s statement.
His Majesty also warned that if any patriot gets approached by anyone other than Prince Africa, they must alert his legal team from Strauss Daly.
Prince Africa said it was not true that his relationship with the king had soured, saying he was humbled by the trust shown to him by the king and the royal family. He promised to carry out his responsibilities diligently and honestly.
Explaining the nature of work, he said he would be accepting and co-ordinating various pledges of support on behalf of the king and the royal family.
He said the main aim was to avoid dirty money from unscrupulous businesses which will in the end compromise the king and the royal family as well as those who may use the king’s name and approach businesses for pledges on the king’s behalf without his consent.
The prince said other duties are to market the kingdom and co-ordinate investments coming to the kingdom, especially those who will want to invest in the land under traditional councils and Ingonyama Trust.
“The kingdom is open for business and those who want to pledge to the king are welcomed, but we do due diligence and verify pledges. We don’t accept dirty money. We are aware that there are those who may use their financial muscle to capture the king and we will not allow that,” said Africa.
He has already hit the ground running and has met various foreign countries’ ambassadors, including ones from Asian countries.
The king’s spokesperson, prince Thulani Zulu, said he was not aware and asked to be sent the statement, but he had not yet responded at the time of publishing.
One of the king’s lawyers who helped draft Prince Africa’s contract, Nkanyiso Mncube, confirmed the appointment.
“We confirm that His Royal Highness Prince Africa Ngangezwe Zulu of Onkweni Royal House has indeed been appointed by His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini Zulu as the Royal Agent mandated to engage with matters of the Royal Fund,” said the king’s lawyers.
The prince’s appointment followed a similar one by the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he has been tasked to be a link between the chamber and traditional leaders with regard to the investment taking place in the land under traditional leaders. The appointment was confirmed by the chamber’s spokesperson, Zanele Khomo.
Daily News