By Celani Sikhakhane
• Inkosi Malusi Zondi says King Misuzulu kaZwelithini told him the dismissal letter was fake and carried a forged signature.
• The King’s spokesperson confirmed on radio that Zondi had been removed as Royal Chancellor by King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
Fresh confusion has erupted in the Zulu royal court after senior royal leaders publicly contradicted each other over the dismissal of the King’s Royal Chancellor.
The drama started on Friday after Zulu Prime Minister Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi released a letter saying King Misuzulu kaZwelithini had removed Inkosi Malusi Zondi as Royal Chancellor.
But hours later, Zondi rejected the letter and called it fake.
Zondi said the signature on the letter was forged and claimed the King knew nothing about it.
He said he personally phoned King Misuzulu kaZwelithini after seeing the letter.
According to Zondi, the King denied dismissing him and described the letter as fake news created by the Prime Minister.
The public disagreement shocked many people in the royal family and across the country.
The confusion grew bigger when the King’s spokesperson, Prince Thulani of the eZibindini royal house, confirmed the dismissal during a current affairs show on uKhozi FM.
“I can confirm that His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has released Mr Zondi from his duties as the Royal Chancellor,” said Prince Thulani.
He said he would not comment on Zondi’s position as an inkosi because the King had appointed him based on his royal duties and not his traditional title.
The conflicting statements have divided supporters inside the royal court.
People close to Zondi are now calling for Reverend Buthelezi to be removed as Prime Minister.
They claim they helped bring him back to the position after asking the King to reappoint him.
Some royal insiders also pointed to a similar incident involving former Ingonyama Trust Board chairperson Inkosi Thanduyise kaMpiyezintombi Mzimela.
At the time, there were also claims that the King’s signature had been forged before Mzimela was later officially removed from the board.
The latest royal dispute has now raised more questions about who is really making decisions inside the Zulu royal household.
Pictured above: Prime Minister Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi with Inkosi Malusi Zondi whom he announced his expulsion as the Royal Chancellor on Friday.
Image source: File
