Celani Sikhakhane
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi is the traditional prime minister of the Zulu nation and the monarch – and that’s official.
This has been confirmed by Zulu monarch King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, who has taken steps to improve transparency and credibility in his inner circle.
Buthelezi is among the most senior members of the Zulu royal family and the most prominent defender of the monarch.
By affirming his confidence in Umntana wakwa Phindangene, as Buthelezi is affectionately known, King Misuzulu reinforces stability in the royal family and restores years of intellectual capacity that will be needed in the future of the kingdom.
As traditional prime minister to the king, Buthelezi is expected to lead the coronation and educate the nation about the traditions that form part of such an important ceremony.
Many of the over 15 million of the royal subjects have never experienced a coronation of a king as King Goodwill Zwelithini ruled for half a century.
Buthelezi has been a servant of Zulu kings for the past 70 years dating back to his service under King Bhekuzulu kaSolomon and later King Zwelithini.
A recent statement from King Misuzulu reaffirming Buthelezi’s role came after rumours that Prince Mthokozisi Ntombela was tipped to be the next traditional prime minister of the Zulu nation.
The king said he was dismayed by the disrespect that was shown to Prince Buthelezi by Prince Africa of Onkweni.
“When I need to communicate any matters to you Mageba, I always contact you as my traditional prime minister. An attack against you is an attack against me. I request your Highness to clarify this to the media,” said part of the Zulu King’s statement.
Buthelezi has been praised for his role in protecting the dignity of the Zulu monarch for making sure that the rightful heir ascended to the throne despite challenges from opposing factions within the Zulu royal household.
He campaigned for King Zwelithini to be crowned King of the Zulus in 1971.
Matter of Fact: In a recent story views of Prince Afrika Zulu were published by Scrolla.Africa. Prince Africa has for months now presented himself as the official spokesperson of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
He gave the impression that members of the Zulu Royal Household were at each other’s throats over who should be the traditional prime minister under the new king.
The king has confirmed that Prince Africa has never been appointed as his spokesperson and said he should be excluded from all matters of the Zulu Royal Family.
Prince Thulani Zulu of Ezibindini is the official spokesperson for the king.
