The then-AmaZulu Traditional Prime Minister Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi and King Misuzulu kaZwelithini at an event last year.
Image: File
Cultural experts and royal house insiders have expressed dismay at the revolving door of senior officials in King Misuzulu’s office, saying the situation paints a picture of an institution battling to maintain stability.
This comes after the sacking of Traditional Prime Minister Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, only seven months after he was reappointed to the same position. Cultural experts have stated that the musical chairs in the royal house suggest that there may be infighting among individuals seeking to use it for other political purposes.
The royal family announced in a video statement that Buthelezi will be replaced by Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza, who was Buthelezi's deputy. Buthelezi is also the MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal. Buthelezi is one of many senior staff members who have been dismissed. At least nine senior staff members in the king’s office have been removed since 2023, with some being reinstated.
In recent events, it was reported that Nododile Ndamase was removed as private secretary a few months ago, following a dispute regarding the irregular manner in which the king was taken to meet the president. According to reports, he was replaced by Prince Khishwengubani Zulu. However, Prince Khishwengubani resigned just 11 days after taking the job, and it is understood that Ndamase is now back at work.
Also recently, Inkosi Malusi Zondi was dismissed as the royal chancellor of the Zulu kingdom. Then Prime Minister Buthelezi announced the sweeping changes, sparking a brief power struggle after Zondi insisted that the king had not sanctioned the removal. Zondi now heads another economic cluster for the king’s office.
These dismissals occurred amid allegations of failing to perform their duties, misusing the king's office, or other serious allegations. A source in the royal house, who asked not to be named, said: "The fact of the matter is that there are serious attempts to manipulate the Zulu kingship for political reasons, and if you are not part of that agenda, you are tossed out. Keep in mind that in the past, the office was being misused for political purposes.” The source added that many matters have not been well handled in the private office, and they believe that with Buthelezi's departure, there might finally be stability.
One individual with close ties to the royal family remarked: “I have no idea what is going on there, but Buthelezi is getting fired just after going to the Shembe church to apologise on behalf of the king, following the leaking of a recording where the king had been scathing about the leader of the church.”
Cultural expert Professor Sihawukele Ngubane said: “There is a need for a more structured employment process to govern the appointment of senior staff in the office of the king in order to bring in more stability. What is going on in the office is an important question that the whole country is asking. I believe the problem is that there is no structure that governs these appointments; it is still at the prerogative of the king. There is no legislation that supports these appointments; if there were contracts, it would be something else.” He noted that while the sacking of officials does not affect the staff on the ground who are doing the actual work, trust is at the heart of each appointment the King makes.
“We are hopeful as the people of KwaZulu-Natal that this will come to an end soon, where we will see confidence in the appointments and stability in the incumbents of these positions.”
Cultural analyst Khaya Ndwandwe suggested that the appointment of Inkosi Chiliza could be positive, as he is already part of the system. Cultural expert Professor Musa Xulu stated that when it comes to the employment of staff, some fall under the Premier’s office, while others are appointed by the king, and those appointments under the king are perceived as quite random. “The constant dismissals of those who are close to the King, including Traditional Prime Minister Buthelezi, are indicative of an unstable kingship at face value. However, it may also mean that there could be powerful hidden forces who would like the Zulu Kingdom to be operated in a particular direction.”
“With the local government elections approaching, many backstage operatives may already be stirring up the three-way ANC-IFP-MKP political warfare. There is a tendency among politicians to see the Zulu King as having political capital. Reverend Buthelezi was appointed just before the 2024 elections, leading to a huge outcry from those parties who felt left out. My conclusion is that now it is the turn of the MKP to benefit.”
Political analyst Makhosini Mgitywa questioned whether it would not be easier to have the KZN Premier, whoever the incumbent is, as the king’s Prime Minister.
Asked about the concerns of instability, the king’s spokesperson, Prince Mpiyakhe Buthelezi, said: “Let me tell you something: if His Majesty is not satisfied with your performance, he can't stay with you. Appointing and removing is his prerogative. Even I, if he is not satisfied with my performance, he will remove me, and I will accept it.”
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