In a surprising move that has sent ripples through the Zulu nation, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has dismissed his traditional Prime Minister, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, effective immediately. The announcement, made in a Christmas Day statement, has left many questioning the future direction of the Zulu kingdom.
King Misuzulu's statement, addressed to the Zulu nation, highlighted the sacred nature of the Prime Minister's position, a role historically held by figures like the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. The king described the role as "steeped in tradition, wisdom, and commitment to the wellbeing and unity of the Zulu Kingdom." He emphasised the strong bond between the throne and the people, a bond that this position embodies.
While the king stated that the reasons for Buthelezi's dismissal would be shared with traditional leaders and the nation in due course – citing an ongoing ceremony – he stressed the importance of unity within the kingdom. "Let us as a great Zulu nation, unite in support of the process to appoint the successor who will carry forward the torch of leadership," he urged. He assured his subjects that the throne remains committed to upholding Zulu traditions and ensuring the Prime Minister's role continues to serve its vital function.
A senior prince, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the authenticity of the king's statement. Although the king did not publicly detail his reasons for the dismissal, the prince indicated that scandals surrounding Buthelezi had become a major concern.
"The feeling was that any whiff of scandal involving Buthelezi had an effect on the king’s and throne’s image and it was simply not going to work," the prince explained.
The prince further alleged that Buthelezi had misused his position to target political rivals, leveraging his proximity to the king for personal gain.
"He knew that his proximity to the king made him very powerful and he used it to launch attacks, including on some in the royal family. So it is not a surprise at all, and in fact, it is a case of good riddance for some of us because of his divisive leadership," the prince stated.
Professor Jabulani Maphalala, a Zulu historian and academic, expressed surprise at the dismissal but also suggested it was inevitable. He highlighted the traditional age disparity between Zulu kings and their prime ministers, noting that the prime minister historically served as a father figure, offering counsel and guidance to the king.
"In fact, when a king was referring to his prime minister in the past, he called him Baba because his age was that of a father figure to him," Prof Maphalala explained.
He cited the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu and Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi as examples of this significant age gap, a dynamic that facilitated respect and acceptance of the prime minister's advice.
"In the instance of the king and prime minister such a gap does not seem to exist, and in fact, you would think they are peers. That is why this arrangement was not going to last," Prof Maphalala observed.
The dismissal raises questions about the future of Ubhoko, an advisory board recently established by Buthelezi, comprising academics and traditional leaders. It remains unclear what will become of this structure following Buthelezi's removal. Buthelezi, who also serves as the MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, is expected to meet with King Misuzulu during the upcoming installation of amakhosi, as his department oversees these events.
In a statement released after news of his dismissal surfaced, Buthelezi indicated that he had not been formally informed of the decision. "His Majesty has not informed me of his decision to release me from my duties as his Prime Minister. I only learnt about this decision through social media and thereafter through a Whatsapp message from Prince Simphiwe of Kwaminya yesterday (Saturday)," Buthelezi stated.
He asserted that the king typically contacted him directly to convey important messages, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
"If the King has decided that I should step down from my position – all I can do is to express my gratitude to His Majesty for the honour to serve him and the Zulu nation. I have served the King from the first day that he assumed his position as King of the Zulu nation and will continue to serve His Majesty as an ordinary subject of the Monarch," Buthelezi said, denying any rift between himself and the king.
The situation remains fluid, with the Zulu nation awaiting further clarification from the king regarding the reasons behind this significant royal reshuffle.
