King Misuzulu reinstates Buthelezi as Zulu Traditional Prime Minister
THE MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal, Thulasizwe Buthelezi has been reinstated as the traditional prime minister of the Zulu kingdom by King Misuzulu kaZwelithini. Buthelezi was sworn in last night at the eMashobeni Royal Place in oPhongolo.
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King Misuzulu Sinqobile kaZwelithini has reinstated KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi as the traditional prime minister of the Zulu nation, marking a dramatic return to a position from which he was removed just a year ago.
Buthelezi, who is also a member of the Inkatha Freedom Party’s national executive committee, was officially sworn in on Tuesday night during a ceremony at the eMashobeni Royal Palace in oPhongolo.
Buthelezi was first appointed to the prestigious post in early 2024. However, his tenure was cut short later that year when he was abruptly removed from the role without any formal explanation from the royal household.
His dismissal came amid allegations from some quarters that he had used the traditional prime minister position to advance political battles linked to the IFP.
Despite his removal, King Misuzulu continued to rely on Buthelezi for tasks typically associated with the role of traditional prime minister.
Among these was leading a delegation representing the monarchy in efforts to oppose the proposed closure of the state-owned Ithala Bank, an issue of significant concern to the Zulu nation due to the bank’s historical and economic importance.
The Zulu royal house confirmed Buthelezi’s reinstatement last night through an official statement.
"I hereby appoint Reverend Thulasizwe D. Buthelezi to serve as the Traditional Prime Minister (Ndunankulu) of the Zulu Kingdom, with effect from 2 December 2025," the statement read.
"The purpose of this mandate is to provide executive leadership, structural coordination, and administrative oversight of the affairs of the Zulu Kingdom under the authority and direction of His Majesty the King."
The announcement was made ahead of uMkhosi woSelwa (the First Fruits Festival).
The reinstatement is widely seen as the King Misuzulu's attempt to consolidate leadership around trusted figures amid ongoing challenges facing the royal household, including internal disputes and legal battles relating to succession.
Buthelezi's deputy is Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza, a member of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party in the provincial legislature.
Chiliza’s inclusion brings political diversity to the leadership structure around the King and is expected to balance competing interests within KwaZulu-Natal’s traditional and political landscape.
The traditional prime minister of the Zulu nation holds one of the most influential positions in the monarchy, serving as the king’s principal adviser and acting as the administrative head of the kingdom. The role was famously held for decades by the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, whose tenure shaped modern Zulu traditional administration.