KING Misuzulu wrapped up a tumultuous week with a meeting with the royal elders in Ulundi, on Thursday. Seen with the king are Queen Mavis MaZungu, wife of the late King Bhekuzulu, Queen Thoko MaNtombela, Queen Sibongile MaDlamini and Queen Thandekile MaNdlovu.
Image: Umshuthi Oclean Photography
IN a week where King Misuzulu kaZwelithini found himself the subject of an unprecedented castigation by his siblings, the monarch met with elders and also made key appointments to the Zulu Kingdom Council.
This week, the members of the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace broke their silence and released a statement in relation to a circulating audio recording where the king was swearing at his sister, Prince Nomkhosi.
The statement, a first from the KwaKhangelamankengane princes and princesses, tore into the king's conduct and raised the issues of gender-based violence, exemplary leadership and the preservation of the legacy of their late parents, King Zwelithini and Queen Mantfombi.
The king appointed Inkosi Zuzifa Buthelezi, son of the late traditional prime minister of the Zulu monarchy and nation, Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi, as the new chairperson of the Zulu Kingdom Council.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo/African News Agency (ANA)
This week, the king appointed Inkosi Zuzifa Buthelezi, son of the late traditional prime minister of the Zulu monarchy and nation, Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi, as the new chairperson of the Zulu Kingdom Council.
The move is widely seen as a potential step toward grooming him for the role of traditional prime minister.
The appointment was made official on Wednesday morning during a signing ceremony held in Durban. Prince Thulani Zulu of the EziBindini Royal House was also reinstated as the official spokesperson for the royal household at the same event.
These key appointments came a day before the king met with the royal elders, who included queens and princes, in a bid to defuse mounting tensions within the royal family.
The meeting with the elders was held in Ulundi, bringing to an end a whirlwind week for the king.
The appointments were confirmed by Prince Thulani, who said he was called to come to Durban and was told on arrival that he was being brought back as the king's spokesperson.
“It was a surprise, as no one had given me a hint of why the king wanted to see me,” he said.
Prince Thulani had previously occupied the position after serving the late King Goodwill Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu.
Image: Khaya Ngwenya/African News Agency (ANA)
Prince Thulani had previously occupied the position after serving the late King Goodwill Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu and, for a brief time, King Misuzulu before announcing his retirement in 2022.
Reacting to the appointment, Buthelezi said as much as he appreciates the trust bestowed on him by the king, he is not just accepting the position but the challenges that come with it, pledging to deliver on the king and the royal family’s expectations.
Buthelezi said he and Prince Thulani will first be briefed by the king before holding a media briefing next week to unpack what their positions entail.
Before Thursday's meeting, the elders had already met with the king's siblings to discuss the leaked audio, which revealed a heated argument between the king and his sister, Princess Nomkhosi.
The delegation was led by the late King Cyprian’s wife, Queen Mavis (MaGwabeni) Zulu; the late King Zwelithini’s wives; senior princes and princesses.
After the meeting on Thursday, the king, through a statement released by his new spokesperson, Prince Thulani of the EziBindini Royal House, acknowledged the umbrage of the king's siblings and how they were left in the lurch with some of the grievances they had over certain issues.
"On behalf of the entire Zulu monarchy, we like to offer our apology, which comes from the depth of our hearts, to the nation over a series of sad events that followed the passing of the king and the queen," said the statement.
The statement also said the monarchy is committed to finding healing for the nation and the reconciliation between King Misuzulu and other princes and princesses.
"The king fully understands the challenges that KwaKhangelamankengane has been through and wants to affirm the reconciliation and peace that is needed by the royal house," said the statement.
They appealed to the media to give the royal family space and time to heal and for the royal family members to find each other.-Additional reporting by Sandile Mdadane
