By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has formally dismissed Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi as the Traditional Prime Minister of the Zulu Nation and replaced him with his deputy, Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza.
Buthelezi was first appointed traditional prime minister in January 2024 during the annual commemoration of the Battle of Isandlwana in Nquthu.
Eleven months later, in December 2024, the King removed him from the position and did not immediately appoint a successor.
Buthelezi was reappointed on 2 December 2025 and sworn in during a private ceremony at the eMashobeni Royal Palace in the Pongola area.
After Buthelezi’s return, Chiliza continued serving as deputy traditional prime minister and alongside him on the Prime Minister’s Executive Council.
The King’s office announced on Tuesday that Buthelezi had been replaced by his deputy, Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza.
“The Office of His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini hereby announces that His Majesty has formally terminated the appointment of Reverend Thulasizwe Dominic Buthelezi as the Traditional Prime Minister (uNdunankulu) of the Zulu Nation.”
“The decision was effected by His Majesty in accordance with Clause 7 of the Appointment and Mandate concluded on 2 December 2025, which vests in His Majesty the sole prerogative to terminate the appointment by written notice.”
“Reverend Buthelezi has accordingly been released from all duties, responsibilities and authority associated with the Office of the Traditional Prime Minister.”
“His Majesty records his sincere appreciation to Reverend Buthelezi for the services he rendered during his tenure as Traditional Prime Minister and extends his best wishes for his future endeavours,” the office said.
It said all official correspondence, engagements and matters relating to the Office of the Traditional Prime Minister should be directed through Chiliza — who is also the leader in the KZN Legislature for the MK Party — with immediate effect.
“Inkosi Chiliza assumes the office as the principal traditional adviser to His Majesty and will be responsible for coordinating the affairs of the Office of the Traditional Prime Minister in support of the Zulu Throne and the administration of the Zulu Nation.”
Misuzulu recently undertook a high-level official visit to Zimbabwe in July 2026 to hold urgent diplomatic and cultural talks with President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The monarch’s visit comes amid rising tensions over illegal immigration in South Africa and a highly publicized personal matter surrounding a leaked royal video.