By Celani Sikhakhane
- Zondi was fired by Zulu Prime Minister Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi last month, only for King Misuzulu to reverse the decision and redeploy him to lead hostel dwellers.
- Standing before Buthelezi at his formal installation in Durban, Zondi warned that any budget passed without traditional leaders and hostel dwellers involved must go to hell.
Inkosi Malusi Zondi has a message for the man who fired him. And he delivered it to his face.
Zondi was formally installed this week as the Zulu King’s representative to hostel dwellers in Durban, in a ceremony where MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi handed him his certificate. Buthelezi was there in two capacities. As Zulu Prime Minister, he was required to attend. As MEC for Cogta, every municipality in KwaZulu-Natal answers to his department.
It was Buthelezi who announced Zondi’s firing last month, after allegations emerged linking Zondi to an extortion scheme connected to a water supply tender. King Misuzulu kaZwelithini denied the dismissal. Zondi kept his footing. His Royal Chancellor position was scrapped in a broader reshuffle, but he was redeployed rather than removed.
On Wednesday, standing in front of Buthelezi and members of the royal family, Zondi used his installation speech to set the terms of his new role.
“Prime Minister, there should be no budget that would be approved without the involvement of traditional leaders and hostel dwellers while I am still in this position,” Zondi said.
“Any budget, whether from the eThekwini Metro or the provincial government, traditional leaders and hostel dwellers should be part of it. Failing which, those in charge must go to hell.”
He also called on Buthelezi to refurbish the eMbelebeleni Royal Palace at kwaMashu Hostel, in the north of Durban, where he will be based.
After weeks of reported tension between the two men, Buthelezi welcomed Zondi warmly at the ceremony. The two shared jokes and shook hands in front of the royal family. It was their first public appearance together since the firing saga began.
Pictured above: Inkosi Malusi Zondi sharing jokes with Zulu Prime Minister Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi at the certificate handover ceremony in Durban.
Image source: KZNCogta
