While the king’s official statement cited unspecified conduct inconsistent with the prime minister’s role, highly placed sources within the royal household reveal a deeper, more complex story of alleged undermining of the king's authority.
News24 reported that the king's patience with Buthelezi had been wearing thin for some time. Sources close to the situation say the dismissal was the culmination of a series of actions by Buthelezi that the king perceived as direct challenges to his leadership.
The king's letter of dismissal, dated December 25th, formally notified Buthelezi of his removal. However, delivering the letter proved unexpectedly difficult. Buthelezi, apparently aware of his impending dismissal, was nowhere to be found.
"He has been hiding on purpose so that he does not get the letter because the letter was sent out on Thursday during the day," a palace source revealed, requesting anonymity. "One of the senior Presidential Protection Services officers was off duty, so they sent his second-in-command to go and deliver the letter."
Legal counsel had advised the royal house to ensure personal delivery of the dismissal letter, preventing any claims of non-receipt. The source continued, "They then went to look for this guy, and he suddenly fell off the radar. He disappeared, and we could not reach him on the phone. A member of the presidential protection was sent to hand-deliver it as per the lawyer's advice."
The source stressed that this decision was not linked to the earlier microphone-grabbing incident at an event attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa, where ANC provincial chairperson Siboniso Duma took the microphone from Buthelezi.
While that event heightened tensions between the ANC and IFP, the source clarified, "This has been long in the making, but it has nothing to do with what happened in KwaCeza earlier this year. There is a lot of undermining of the king's authority that is involved." Duma subsequently apologised to the king with cattle for his behaviour.
The king's letter to Buthelezi, which News24 has seen, outlines the reasons for the dismissal, albeit vaguely.
In a letter seen by News24, the king told Buthelezi over the past 11 months, it had come to his attention that Buthelezi's actions had strayed from the expectations of the monarch.
"In light of these circumstances, and in the best interests of the Zulu nation, I hereby withdraw your appointment as prime minister. This decision has not been made lightly, as it [is] informed by a duty to preserve the integrity of the throne and the enduring trust of our people."
Adding another layer of intrigue, News24 has learned that Buthelezi allegedly attempted to transfer power of attorney to a man named Jabulani Moses Tenyane. A letter seemingly confirming this attempt has been obtained.
The position of prime minister holds significant weight within the Zulu nation. Buthelezi's appointment in January 2024 followed the death of his father, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, a figure who served three Zulu kings over many decades. The late Prince Buthelezi played a crucial role in King Misuzulu's ascension to the throne. Despite a reportedly strained relationship towards the end of his life, the late prime minister supported the king during his coronation.
News24 reported earlier on Friday the king fired Buthelezi without stating his reasons. Upon realising Buthelezi’s absence, the king issued a subsequent letter to his subjects and traditional leaders, confirming the dismissal and urging sensitivity in handling the matter. "Sinxusile isilo kuthi loludaba luphathwe ngesinono kuhlonishwe obengundunankulu, ihhovisi lakhe kanye nesihlalo," the letter, written in isiZulu by the king's spokesperson, Prince Siphiwe wakwaMinya, stated. Translated, this means the king requested that the matter be handled with care and respect for the former prime minister, his office, and the throne.
The king's spokesperson apologised for the delayed communication, explaining that the king had only informed him on Friday and desired personal delivery of the dismissal letter.
Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza, Buthelezi's deputy, called for calm and patience, awaiting an official announcement from the king. Cultural expert Dr Gugu Mazibuko noted the unprecedented nature of the dismissal, suggesting it may be the first of its kind in Zulu history. She emphasized the crucial nature of the prime minister's role and the importance of a strong relationship between the king and his prime minister. The selection of Buthelezi’s successor rests solely with the king. Buthelezi himself has not responded to News24's requests for comment.
