The ANC leadership in KwaZulu-Natal reportedly asked Eswatini King Mswati III to advocate that former health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize be appointed as the Zulu King’s traditional prime minister.
Sources close to the Zulu royal court told Scrolla.Africa that King Mswati relayed the ANC’s request to King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, but the king said he preferred a younger adviser whom he could instruct without hesitation.
A senior member of the royal family said: “King Misuzulu has told the Zulu royal family that he had challenges in giving directives to the late traditional prime minister Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, viewing him as a father figure. He felt similarly about Dr Mkhize, making it impractical to consider him for a role requiring him to act as a messenger.”
It was revealed that during a rough period in the king’s life, Mkhize had played a paternal role.
Another faction in the Zulu royal family leadership proposed former president Jacob Zuma for the prime minister’s post in December.
However, the king dismissed this suggestion because of Zuma’s age and his deep respect for him as a father figure, making it inappropriate to issue instructions to him.
Contrary to some expectations in the royal family that Prince Zuzifa Buthelezi would replace his late father, King Misuzulu announced Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi as the new traditional prime minister.
This decision has proved to be controversial, leading to a senior government leader confronting the king after the Isandlwane commemoration in January.
The king, however, emphasised the independence of the monarchy from government influence, highlighting his choice of a balanced leadership by selecting an individual from the IFP (Buthelezi) as his traditional prime minister and a deputy from the ANC (Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza).
ANC provincial spokesperson Mafika Mndebele dismissed the claims as lies.
Attempts to reach the spokesperson for the royal family and the traditional prime minister for comment were unsuccessful.
Pictured above: Dr Zweli Mkhize was allegedly proposed by the ANC for the position of traditional prime minister to the Zulu King.
Image source: Supplied
