By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has told traditional leaders attending a meeting in uMhlathuze on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast, that he is considering stepping down from his position.
Buthelezi called a meeting with Amakhosi for their guidance on a way forward.
“Plea to you, is to give me wisdom or advice, having experienced so much as having for so long to protect our land in our kingdom. I’m bewildered by the preset of Ingonyama Trust land being made vulnerable by our King, I find it very difficult to continue serving under these circumstances, where my legacy is being destroyed and when my advice is not taken. And I’m committed to serve his Majesty, but his Majesty is making it impossible for me to continue to serve under these circumstances.”
Buthelezi has been the prime minister of the Zulu nation for many decades and played a critical role after the March 2021 death of the then Zulu king Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.
He went out of his way to ensure that – despite the dispute within the Zulu royal family about who would be the next monarch – King Misuzulu kaZwelithini emerged as king.
Since the king’s coronation in October 2022, King Misuzulu and Prince Buthelezi have had several disputes. But it is the composition of the Ingonyama Trust Board that might have damaged their relationship beyond repair.
The Ingonyama Trust is a corporate entity established to administer the land traditionally owned by the Zulu people, represented by their king, for the benefit, material welfare and social wellbeing of the Zulu nation, which continues to occupy the land as it historically has done.
The Trust presides over about 29.67% of the land in KwaZulu-Natal, which is equivalent to 28,000 square kilometres.
The new nine-member board will serve a four-year term. The members are: Inkosi Thanduyise Mzimela as chairperson; advocate Linda Zama as vice-chairperson; Inkosi Mabudu Israel Tembe; Dr Thandi Dlamini; Nomusa Zulu; Dandy Matamela; Inkosi Phallang Bokang Molefe; Inkosi Sibonelo Mkhize and land rights activist Lisa Del Grande.
King Misuzulu endorsed the new board, but Buthelezi rejected it, particularly the appointment of Mzimela as chairperson to replace Judge Jerome Ngwenya, who had held the position for many years and is said to be very close to Buthelezi.
The king disputed reports that the relationship between him and Buthelezi had soured.
“I would like to unequivocally state that rumours that there is bad blood between myself in my capacity as monarch of the Zulu nation and our traditional prime minister, umntwana wakwaPhindangene (Prince Buthelezi), are blatant attempts by opportunists who wish to drive a wedge between our Zulu nation and the royal family.”