Former Zulu royal family and monarch spokesperson Prince Thulani kaGqikazi Zulu with King Misuzulu kaZwelithini. The monarch has removed Prince Thulani from both spokesperson roles following a fallout over royal protocol linked to his meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Image: Ezra Tshisa Sibanda
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has dismissed Prince Thulani kaGqikazi Zulu as both the spokesperson for the Zulu royal family and the monarch's official spokesperson, following a leaked voice note that has exposed deepening tensions within the royal household.
The King has also barred Prince Thulani from entering any royal palace within the Zulu Kingdom with immediate effect.
The abrupt dismissal follows the circulation of an expletive-filled voice note in which Prince Thulani criticised the former head of the King's private office, Zanemvula Ndamase, for allegedly breaching royal protocol by failing to inform members of the royal family about King Misuzulu's meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa early this week.
In the recording, Prince Thulani, of the eZibindini Royal House, accused Ndamase of undermining both the royal family and the Zulu nation. He also allegedly made disparaging remarks about Ndamase's amaMpondo ethnicity.
Sources familiar with the matter said the voice note was forwarded to the King by Ndamase, prompting a meeting between the monarch and Prince Thulani during which the recording was played.
It is understood that King Misuzulu reacted angrily before informing Prince Thulani that he was being relieved of his duties with immediate effect.
Prince Thulani has also reportedly been removed from the royal correspondents' WhatsApp group, where he had served as one of the administrators.
His removal continues a pattern of frequent changes in the role of royal spokesperson.
Prince Afrika Zulu of the oNkweni Royal House was dismissed from the position in February 2024 and replaced by Prince Simphiwe Zulu. Prince Simphiwe's tenure was short-lived, with his departure reportedly linked to complaints that he was difficult for the media to reach. Prince Thulani was subsequently appointed and earned praise from journalists for his accessibility, professionalism and calm handling of royal matters.
Before his appointment, Prince Thulani had built a reputation as an experienced royal communicator, having also served the late King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.
The fallout over the King's meeting with President Ramaphosa mirrors recent tensions within the anti-illegal immigration movement, where internal divisions emerged after activist Nkosikhona Ndabandaba, popularly known as Phakelumthakathi, met the President without March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma.
On the eve of the nationwide anti-illegal immigration protests, Ndabandaba, activist Ngizwe Mchunu and social media content creator Zoso met with Ramaphosa, a move that drew criticism from some supporters of the movement.
After Ndabandaba suggested the trio had been invited by the Presidency, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi clarified that it was Ndabandaba and Mchunu who had requested the meeting and were free to decide whom to include in their delegation.
Although Ngobese-Zuma has sought to downplay the controversy, some supporters remain critical of the meeting.
Addressing a media briefing in Durban, Ndabandaba said he would not allow himself to be used by people who harbour personal animosity towards Ramaphosa. He added that he answers to no individual but remains committed to the anti-illegal immigration campaign.
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