By Sihle Mavuso
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has dismissed Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi as traditional prime minister of the Zulu monarch and nation for the second time, replacing him with Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza.
The decision was announced by the King’s Office on Tuesday morning, less than two weeks after Prince Thulani Zulu was removed as spokesperson for the King and the Zulu royal family.
Zulu’s dismissal followed the circulation of a voice note in which he criticised royal aide Arnold “Squire” Ndamase over a meeting between the King and President Cyril Ramaphosa, which Zulu alleged had been arranged without the knowledge of senior royal officials.
Buthelezi — a senior IFP member — was first appointed traditional prime minister in January 2024 during the annual commemoration of the Battle of Isandlwana in Nquthu.
Eleven months later, in December 2024, the King removed him from the position and did not immediately appoint a successor.
Buthelezi was reappointed on 2 December 2025 and sworn in during a private ceremony at the eMashobeni Royal Palace in the Pongola area.
After Buthelezi’s return, Chiliza continued serving as deputy traditional prime minister and alongside him on the Prime Minister’s Executive Council.
Misuzulu’s office said in a statement on Tuesday:
“The Office of His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini hereby announces that His Majesty has formally terminated the appointment of Reverend Thulasizwe Dominic Buthelezi as the Traditional Prime Minister (uNdunankulu) of the Zulu Nation.
“The decision was effected by His Majesty in accordance with Clause 7 of the Appointment and Mandate concluded on 2 December 2025, which vests in His Majesty the sole prerogative to terminate the appointment by written notice.
“Reverend Buthelezi has accordingly been released from all duties, responsibilities and authority associated with the Office of the Traditional Prime Minister.
“His Majesty records his sincere appreciation to Reverend Buthelezi for the services he rendered during his tenure as Traditional Prime Minister and extends his best wishes for his future endeavours,” the office said.
The king’s office did not provide a reason for Buthelezi’s dismissal.
It said all official correspondence, engagements and matters relating to the Office of the Traditional Prime Minister should be directed through Chiliza — who is also the leader in the KZN Legislature for the MK Party — with immediate effect.
“Inkosi Chiliza assumes the office as the principal traditional adviser to His Majesty and will be responsible for coordinating the affairs of the Office of the Traditional Prime Minister in support of the Zulu Throne and the administration of the Zulu Nation.
“His Majesty has expressed full confidence in Inkosi Chiliza’s leadership, wisdom and steadfast commitment to the Zulu Throne. The King has further called upon all members of the Royal House, Amakhosi, Izinduna, traditional structures and the Zulu Nation at large to accord the newly appointed Traditional Prime Minister their full cooperation and support as he assumes this important responsibility.”
The king’s fffice did not say whether the deputy traditional prime minister’s position would be retained or filled following Chiliza’s appointment.
Buthelezi, who remains KwaZulu-Natal’s MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, had not publicly responded to his dismissal by the time of publication.
INSIDE POLITICS
