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KwaZulu-Natal Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi on Thursday unveiled a Zulu royal family committee which will be responsible for traditional leadership succession disputes.
Chaired by Prince Mathubesizwe kaBhekuzulu, the nine-member committee formed part of Buthelezi’s interventions to foster unity within the Zulu nation traditional leadership system.
“Our late King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu started a process where the royal family played a critical role in resolving disputes and fostering reconciliation where succession disputes arise.”
“The KZN Traditional Leadership and Governance Act 5 of 2005 gives authority to the MEC for Cogta in the province to oversee all matters pertaining to the institution of traditional leadership.
“The introduction of this team which comprises senior members of the royal family will strengthen the institution of traditional leadership within our province and enhance the work of amakhosi,” Buthelezi said.
Members of the committee included Prince Mbonisi kaBhekuzulu, who is the uncle of the current Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
“Prince Mbonisi kaBhekuzulu — who among Zulu royal family members opposed to the appointment of King Misuzulu kaZweithini, who succeeded the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu in 2021 — will work closely with this team and Cogta will be engaging with them,” Buthelezi said.
Political analyst Zakhele Ndlovu described the appointment of Prince Mbonisi to the panel as a strategic and brilliant political move.
“I think this is a move to bring reconciliation between the king and those people who opposed his succession as the king of the Zulus.
Ndlovu said that following the termination of Prince Mbonisi’s contract as a researcher for the Traditional Leadership Dispute Resolution and Claims Commission, which falls within Cogta (the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs), he needs an income, and this is an opportunity for an income.
And the fact that he is appointed by Thulasizwe, who is very close with the king, he is basically the right hand man of the king, I think he is trying to extend an olive branch. I think it is a very smart political move for Thulasizwe … it shows political maturity,” said Ndlovu.