By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
KwaZulu-Natal cooperative governance and traditional affairs MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi says he will abide by King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s decision to fire him as AmaZulu traditional prime minister.
Fullview reported yesterday that Buthelezi was removed as the Amazulu Prime Minister.
Buthelezi is accused of failing to preserve the dignity of the Zulu throne and unity of the nation in the past eleven months he has been on the hot seat.
It has been widely speculated that there is a frantic push to have Buthelezi fired before the annual commemoration of the battle of Isandlwana to be held on January 22, 2025 in Nquthu in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Speaking at a media briefing in Ulundi, Buthelezi stated that he would wait for confirmation from the King regarding his removal but insisted there was no conflict between them.
“The appointment of the Prime Minister is the sole prerogative of His Majesty the King. I am a subject of His Majesty and serve at the King’s pleasure. I will wait until His Majesty the King informs me about his decision because, up until now, the King has not said anything to me.”
“If the King has decided that I should step down from my position, all I can do is express my gratitude to His Majesty for the honour of serving him and the Zulu nation,” said Buthelezi.
Buthelezi added he always obeys summons by the king and will continue to should he be called to present himself before him.
He also stated that he served at the behest of King Misuzulu and would relinquish his traditional prime ministerial duties should the king inform him to, saying he would continue to serve the Zulu monarch as an ordinary person.
Buthelezi also expressed concern about the king’s decision to appoint Mpumalanga businessman Jacob Mnisi and a woman known as the king’s “gogo”, Rejoice Tembe, to control the Ingonyama Trust Board.
The presence of Jacob Mnisi and these lawyers from Mpumalanga in the affairs of the Zulu kingdom does not augur well for the wellbeing and future of Ingonyama Trust.
Buthelezi was appointed to his position earlier in January after the death of IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who died last September after having occupied the position for almost seven decades.