In a dramatic political move, Zulu King MisuZulu ka Zwelithini has decided to dismiss his traditional Prime Minister, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, with immediate effect. The dramatic move has sparked widespread speculation, with the King announcing that he will provide reasons for the dismissal “in due course”.
Alongside the dismissal, the King has also suspended several members of the Ingonyama Trust Board, including the chief executive and chief financial officer, as part of an investigation into potential violations of the Public Finance Management Act.
Political tensions surrounding Thulasizwe Buthelezi have escalated in recent weeks, with several sources suggesting that his actions appear to threaten the stability of the coalition government in KwaZulu-Natal.
In a statement dated 25 December, the King highlighted the crucial role of the traditional Prime Minister, who he said embodies a sacred bond between the monarchy and the people, based on tradition, wisdom and commitment to the welfare and unity of the Zulu kingdom.
With some emotion, MisuZulu announced the immediate withdrawal of Thulasizwe Dominic Buthelezi’s name from the prestigious office and called on the Zulu nation to unite in the election of his successor.
The new Prime Minister will be expected to continue the legacy of Buthelezi, a member of the Inkatha Freedom Party and also the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal. Sources revealed that leaders in both the IFP and the ANC were concerned about Buthelezi’s alleged destructive actions to boost his profile.
The relationship between the king and the ITB, of which Buthelezi is the trustee and chairman, has also become strained. MisuZulu has previously demanded the dissolution of the board for refusing to carry out his instructions, including the appointment of contractors to audit the nearly three million hectares of land he administers on his behalf.
A further statement by the king confirmed the suspension of the chief executive, chief financial officer and other board members implicated in the matter, pending the outcome of investigations. MisuZulu has appointed a representative to take over the interim management of the board.
However, board members have responded by saying that the king did not have the authority to suspend them. They have challenged the legality of the decision and denounced the intervention of an unauthorised third party.
Ultimately, the dismissal and suspensions within the ITB point to further developments in the political spheres of the Zulu monarchy. The appointment of the next Prime Minister and the results of the investigations will be closely scrutinized by the population, awaiting clarifications on these surprising events which are shaking the kingdom.