By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Buthelezi clan has announced that it has unanimously identified Prince Zuzifa Buthelezi as the successor of the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi who passed away in September.
The clan has since submitted Prince Zuzifa’s name to Kwazulu-Natal (KZN) Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs CoGTA to recognise him.
According to the statement issued by the family, “Prince Zuzifa Buthelezi was unanimously identified as the rightful successor as head of the clan. The decision has been communicated to the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Bongi Sithole-Moloi, who oversees the official appointment of Amakhosi.”
Prince Zuzifa is regarded as an automatic heir by virtue of being the remaining son of the late Inkosi Buthelezi and Princess Magogo, his parents.
Although the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has a son older than Prince Zuzifa, Tutu Buthelezi, he (Tutu) was born out of wedlock and is not of royal blood, which gives Prince Zuzifa the upper hand.
During the funeral proceedings, Prince Zuzifa carried inhlendla (a specially designed spear that was carried by the late Buthelezi) which was a sign that he is an heir.
Princess Magogo, King Dinuzulu’s daughter, was the 10th wife of the late Inkosi Mathole Buthelezi, and Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi was their only . When Mathole died, Inkosi Mangosuthu had to take over the chieftaincy because his mother had royal blood.
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini is yet to appoint a new traditional prime minister.