By Celani Sikhakhane
- Prince Khishwengubani Zulu of Egazini resigned as secretary to King Misuzulu kaZwelithini on Wednesday, after just a month and 11 days in the role.
- New spokesperson Inkosi Mpiyakhe Buthelezi says royal court members have already warned him he could be fired at any time.
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s newly appointed spokesperson says he already expects to lose his job, days after the King’s secretary resigned after barely five weeks in office.
Inkosi Mpiyakhe Buthelezi, who was appointed spokesperson on Tuesday to replace Prince Thulani Zulu of eZibindini, revealed on Wednesday that Prince Khishwengubani Zulu of Egazini had resigned as secretary to the King.
Prince Khishwengubani had served just a month and 11 days after being appointed to replace Nododile Ndamase in the King’s private office. He gave no reason for his resignation and could not be reached for comment.
Buthelezi is the fourth spokesperson to serve King Misuzulu in under two years. Prince Africa Zulu of Onkweni was fired after publicly complaining about the appointment of Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi as the AmaZulu traditional prime minister. Prince Simphiwe Zulu of kwaMinyamanzi held the role next, followed by Prince Thulani Zulu of eZibindini, who was removed after raising concerns about the King meeting President Cyril Ramaphosa without the full royal entourage.
Buthelezi said members of the royal court have already warned him that his time in the position could be short.
“There are those in the royal court who have warned me that I must be careful, that the king might expel me at any time soon. I told them that they must allow me to work and be fired like anyone. I know that at some point I will be fired, but it will happen because of my own sins,” Buthelezi said.
He added an English proverb: “The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.”
Buthelezi said he will continue serving as spokesperson while also remaining leader and acting Chief of the Buthelezi clan in Mahlabathini.
When Prince Khishwengubani was appointed, the King said he would be assisted by Ndamase for three months before taking over the role full time, since the private office Ndamase had headed was being phased out. Ndamase has since retained a role assisting the King.
Pictured above: Newly appointed spokesperson Inkosi Mpiyakhe Buthelezi with King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and Prince Ntuthukoyezwe Zuzifa Buthelezi at eMashobeni Royal Palace on Tuesday.
Image source: Zulu Royal Kingdom
