By Celani Sikhakhane
- The MK Party says Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi abused his position and dragged the Zulu monarchy into public humiliation and political conflict.
- Tensions exploded after the Prime Minister announced the dismissal of Inkosi Malusi Zondi as Royal Chancellor and traditional leader.
The MK Party in KwaZulu Natal has launched a fierce attack on Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, accusing him of creating confusion and embarrassing King Misuzulu kaZwelithini in public.
The party said Buthelezi’s actions were causing instability inside the Zulu Royal Household and damaging the dignity of the throne.
The political storm erupted after Buthelezi announced the dismissal of the King’s Royal Chancellor, Inkosi Malusi Zondi.
He also declared that Zondi had been stripped of his position as a traditional leader.
The Office of the Chief Whip of the MK Party in the KwaZulu Natal Legislature said it was deeply worried about the situation.
In a statement, MK Party chief whip Bonginkosi Mngadi accused Buthelezi of crossing dangerous lines between politics and the monarchy.
“The opposition views any attempt by a sitting MEC to allegedly weaponise state influence, political authority or administrative power to manipulate internal affairs of the Zulu monarchy as a dangerous overreach,” said Mngadi.
He warned that political interference inside the monarchy could divide people in KwaZulu Natal and weaken respect for traditional institutions.
“The monarchy must remain insulated from political factionalism, intimidation and opportunistic power consolidation,” he said.
Mngadi said the public had been left confused by contradictory statements and sudden decisions linked to the Royal Household.
He claimed the situation had pushed the monarchy into “unprecedented instability and public embarrassment”.
“Such conduct erodes public trust, undermines the dignity of the throne of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and risks inflaming divisions amongst the people of KwaZulu Natal,” he said.
The MK Party also warned against government leaders using their political power to influence royal matters.
Mngadi said no politician should place themselves above royal protocol or traditional systems.
“There’s no public office bearer, regardless of rank or political influence, who should position themselves above established protocol, collective consultation and the sanctity of the Zulu Kingdom,” he said.
The party has now demanded full transparency over all decisions and communications made in the King’s name.
It also called for an urgent independent intervention to stabilise the Royal Household.
The MK Party further demanded a complete separation between politics and traditional leadership structures.
The latest clash adds to growing tensions and divisions surrounding the Zulu monarchy, which has faced repeated public disputes and leadership battles in recent years.
Pictured above: The MKP accused Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi of embarrassment after making statements on Inkosi Malusi Zondi.
Image source: Zulu Royal Kingdom
