By Celani Sikhakhane
King Misuzulu KaZwelithini has dismissed claims that the appointments of his new traditional Prime Minister and his deputy are politically motivated.
He was speaking at the 145th commemoration of the battle of Isandlwana in Nquthu on Saturday, where the Zulu with spears emerged victorious against the most world feared British army on 22 January, 1879.
King Misuzulu KaZwelithini announced the executive mayor of Zululand Municipality, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, as the new traditional Prime Minister of the Zulu nation.
Zululand municipality played a huge role in financing King Misuzulu’s events when the provincial government was still waiting for President Cyril Ramaphosa to recognise him after his appointment came under attack by royal rebels.
Buthelezi is a former leader of the IFP Youth Brigade.
He also announced the former chair of the KwaZulu-Natal House of Traditional and Khoi-San leadership, Chief of eMaDungeni clan, Phathisizwe Chiliza, as the deputy traditional Prime Minister.
Chiliza is an ANC member who led the party’s traditional leadership wing, Congress of Traditional Leadership of South Africa (Contralesa).
King Misuzulu KaZwelithini denied that the two appointments are political, saying he is not involved in politics because politicians are dishonest.
“There were those who suggested that a Traditional Prime Minister should come from the EFF or the IFP. Look, this is not a political appointment. Here I appointed someone who worked very closely with the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. I appointed someone who understood Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s vision about this nation. Those who think this is a political appointment must forget it,” said the King.
He said Buthelezi and Chiliza will be the servants of the Zulu nation, not political parties.
The King stated that if they failed on their duties, he has the prerogative to remove them.
King Misuzulu clarified the creation of the new position of the deputy traditional Prime Minister.
He said he did that because the Zulu nation is big, like the British Empire, so it needs more people to work for the Monarch.
King Misuzulu also announced new regiments called Silwanetshe which will be led by Chief Masefa Mhlongo and Prince Vanana of kwaMinyamanzi Royal House.
The appointment of the Traditional Prime Minister comes after King Misuzulu’s uncle, Prince Mbonisi Zulu of eKhwezi, attempted to block the process in court in November last year but later withdrew the case.
Pictured above: The new Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Nation, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, and his deputy Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza during their oath to King Misuzulu KaZwelithini.
Image source: Celani Sikhakhane
