AmaZulu King fires traditional Prime Minister after King Misuzulu KaZwelithini officially dismissed Reverend Thulasizwe Dominic Buthelezi from his role as the AmaZulu traditional prime minister. The decision marks the second time the monarch has removed Buthelezi from the influential position, signalling another major development within the KwaZulu-Natal royal house.

The announcement was made on Tuesday through the King’s spokesperson, Mpikayise Buthelezi, who confirmed that the dismissal had taken effect in accordance with the terms of the appointment agreement signed in December 2025. At the same time, King Misuzulu announced the appointment of Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza as the new traditional Prime Minister (uNdunankulu) of the Zulu Nation.

The leadership change comes amid ongoing tensions within the royal household and follows months of speculation about divisions surrounding the monarchy.

AmaZulu King Misuzulu removes Thulasizwe Buthelezi

According to an official statement from the Royal House, AmaZulu King Misuzulu exercised his authority under Clause 7 of the Appointment and Mandate agreement concluded on 2 December 2025.

The statement confirmed that the King had formally terminated Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi’s appointment with immediate effect.

“The office of His Majesty King Misuzulu KaZwelithini hereby announces that he has formally terminated the appointment of Reverend Thulasizwe Dominic Buthelezi as the traditional Prime Minister (uNdunankulu) of the Zulu Nation,” the statement read.

The royal household explained that the agreement gives the King the sole authority to terminate the appointment by written notice.

While no detailed official reason for the dismissal was provided, the announcement confirmed that the decision had been made entirely at the King’s discretion.

Second dismissal for Thulasizwe Buthelezi

A familiar leadership change

This is the second occasion that Thulasizwe Buthelezi has been removed from the position.

Buthelezi, who also serves as KwaZulu-Natal’s MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) and is a senior member of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), was originally appointed as traditional Prime Minister in 2024.

Only months after taking office, he was removed without any public explanation before later returning to the role.

His latest dismissal therefore continues an uncertain chapter in the leadership of the Zulu monarchy.

The repeated changes have attracted widespread attention because of the importance of the office within traditional governance structures.

Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza appointed as successor

New AmaZulu traditional prime minister

Following Buthelezi’s dismissal, Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza has been appointed as the new AmaZulu traditional prime minister.

Chiliza currently serves as the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leader in the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature.

He is also the recognised Inkosi of the eMaDungeni Traditional Council.

The Royal House said King Misuzulu has full confidence in Chiliza’s leadership abilities and believes he will serve the Zulu throne with commitment and integrity.

The King’s statement praised Chiliza’s wisdom and dedication while wishing Reverend Buthelezi success in his future endeavours.

King thanks Buthelezi for his service

Although the dismissal has generated political and public interest, the King acknowledged Buthelezi’s contributions during his tenure.

The official statement expressed appreciation for the work he performed while serving the Zulu Nation.

“The King expressed his sincere appreciation to Reverend Buthelezi for the services he rendered during his tenure as Traditional Prime Minister and extended his best wishes for his future endeavours.”

The respectful tone of the statement suggests that while the appointment has ended, recognition was given to Buthelezi’s efforts during his time in office.

Reports of tensions within the KwaZulu-Natal royal house

Internal divisions reportedly deepen

The latest leadership change comes against the backdrop of reported divisions within the KwaZulu-Natal royal house.

Earlier reports indicated that competing factions have been seeking greater influence around King Misuzulu.

According to reports published by Mail & Guardian, disagreements have centred on leadership, influence within the royal household and access to financial resources linked to the monarchy.

One senior royal source reportedly claimed that relations between the King and Reverend Buthelezi had deteriorated significantly in recent months.

The source alleged that disagreements intensified following the circulation of a widely shared video involving the King.

The source further claimed that King Misuzulu believed his leadership had not been sufficiently protected from growing public scrutiny.

These claims have been reported publicly but have not been officially confirmed by the Royal House.

Previous changes within the royal household

The dismissal follows several other high-profile changes within the King’s inner circle.

Earlier this year, Inkosi Malusi Zondi was removed as Royal Chancellor to the Zulu Kingdom.

Nododile Ndamase, regarded as one of the King’s close confidants, also left her position.

Reports suggested that these removals contributed to growing tensions among different groups within the royal household.

Some reports further alleged that the King was unhappy about how those decisions were handled.

However, the Royal House has not publicly provided detailed explanations regarding those earlier leadership changes.

Public controversy surrounding the monarchy

The leadership changes have occurred during a period of heightened public attention on the Zulu monarchy.

Earlier this year, a video circulated widely on social media showing King Misuzulu appearing visibly intoxicated while making controversial remarks directed at his third wife, Queen Nomzamo Myeni, and Shembe church leader Inkosi Mduduzi Shembe.

The incident attracted widespread public discussion.

King Misuzulu later apologised for his comments.

The identity of the individual responsible for recording and distributing the video has never been officially confirmed.

The incident nevertheless contributed to increased public scrutiny surrounding the royal household.

Debate over the role of traditional Prime Minister

When Reverend Buthelezi was first appointed, some traditional leaders questioned whether he met the customary expectations associated with the office.

Some critics argued that the AmaZulu traditional prime minister should traditionally be an Inkosi leading a recognised clan.

Others defended the appointment, pointing to the King’s constitutional authority to select his own traditional Prime Minister.

The debate reflected broader discussions about balancing traditional customs with modern governance structures.

Despite differing opinions, Buthelezi remained in office until his latest dismissal.

Legacy of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi

The office carries enormous historical significance within the Zulu Kingdom.

Before Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the position was held by the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

Prince Mangosuthu served both as founder of the Inkatha Freedom Party and as Inkosi of the Buthelezi clan in Mahlabathini.

For decades he played a central role in advising successive Zulu monarchs while also serving in national politics.

Following his passing in September 2023, appointing his successor became one of the most significant leadership decisions facing King Misuzulu.

The position remains one of the highest-ranking traditional offices within the Zulu Nation.

Political implications of the appointment

The appointment of Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza has also generated political interest because of his current role within the MK Party.

Political analysts suggest that his appointment may influence future interactions between traditional leadership structures and political organisations operating in KwaZulu-Natal.

However, the Royal House has presented the appointment solely as a traditional leadership decision focused on strengthening the monarchy.

Observers will closely watch how Chiliza balances his political responsibilities with his traditional role.

What happens next?

Attention now turns to how the new traditional Prime Minister will assume his responsibilities.

Chiliza is expected to begin advising the King on matters affecting the Zulu Nation while working alongside traditional leaders throughout KwaZulu-Natal.

The Royal House has not yet announced details regarding an official installation ceremony.

Meanwhile, Reverend Buthelezi remains KwaZulu-Natal’s Cogta MEC, and no announcement has been made regarding any changes to his provincial government responsibilities.

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Conclusion

The decision that AmaZulu King fires traditional Prime Minister represents another significant moment for the Zulu monarchy. By dismissing Thulasizwe Buthelezi for a second time and appointing Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza, AmaZulu King Misuzulu has once again reshaped the leadership of the KwaZulu-Natal royal house.

While the Royal House has emphasised that the decision falls within the King’s constitutional authority, the latest development is likely to fuel continued discussion about leadership, governance and unity within the Zulu Nation. As Chiliza prepares to assume one of the kingdom’s most influential traditional positions, many will be watching closely to see how this new chapter unfolds for both the monarchy and the broader AmaZulu community.