Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the traditional prime minister of Zulu monarch MisuZulu ka Zwelithini, is facing mounting pressure to step down from his position. Buthelezi, who also serves as the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC in KwaZulu-Natal, has come under scrutiny for his actions, which are perceived as a threat to the stability of the government of provincial unity (GPU).
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), to which Buthelezi belongs, has been urged by its provincial leaders to remove him from his dual roles. Premier Thami Ntuli, the provincial chairperson of the IFP, recently halted the official opening of Buthelezi’s office in Ulundi, citing a breach of the ministerial handbook that allows only two offices for an official.
Coalition partners of the IFP have expressed concerns over Buthelezi’s decisions, raising political and financial considerations with Premier Ntuli. There is growing unease within the IFP and the African National Congress (ANC) leadership in KwaZulu-Natal regarding Buthelezi’s actions, which are perceived as “destructive” both in his capacity as MEC and traditional Zulu prime minister.
Sources close to the matter revealed that Buthelezi’s abrupt cancellation of the Ulundi office opening was seen as an attempt to assert his authority and build his profile and power base among the province’s amakhosi. There are suspicions that Buthelezi is using the traditional prime minister position to undermine the premier and consolidate his influence.
Buthelezi’s interventions in ANC-run municipalities as the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC have garnered support from local traditional leaders, further bolstering his position. However, clashes with the ANC provincial leadership over these interventions have strained his relationships within the political landscape.
The breakdown in the relationship between King MisuZulu and the Ingonyama Trust Board, of which Buthelezi is a trustee and chairperson, has also raised concerns about his agenda aligning solely with the IFP’s interests. Members of the royal family, as well as senior leaders from both the IFP and ANC, have reportedly exerted pressure on the king to remove Buthelezi from his role.
Discussions have already taken place regarding potential successors to Buthelezi, with names like Inkosi Zuzifa Buthelezi and Prince Vanana Zulu being suggested. The ongoing meetings and deliberations underscore the growing consensus that Buthelezi’s tenure as traditional prime minister may be nearing its end, as stakeholders seek to restore stability and unity within the government. Pressure is mounting on the king to remove Buthelezi from his position as traditional prime minister, with calls for his immediate dismissal. According to a source close to the ANC leadership, there are concerns about Buthelezi’s alleged abuse of his portfolio to interfere in councils under its control, as well as his public altercation with eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba over a Section 158 intervention.
Buthelezi, when asked for comments on the postponement of the office opening, redirected the queries to the premier for further clarification. He acknowledged the existence of a plan to oust him from his role as traditional prime minister, stating that there were attempts to create a rift between himself and the king. However, Buthelezi affirmed his commitment to performing his duties with unwavering loyalty and dedication to his majesty.
Despite the growing discontent within the ANC, spokesperson Mafika Mndebele has not responded to inquiries from the media regarding the premier’s intervention and the party’s concerns surrounding Buthelezi’s conduct. It remains unclear whether any formal discussions have taken place with Ntuli, the premier, regarding the issues raised against Buthelezi.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is evident that tensions are rising within the political landscape, with Buthelezi’s position hanging in the balance. The outcome of this power struggle remains uncertain, leaving many to speculate on the potential ramifications of Buthelezi’s removal from office. Only time will tell how this political saga will unfold and what implications it may have for the ANC and the traditional leadership structure in the region.
