Political parties in KwaZulu-Natal have warned that a standoff over access to AmaZulu King MisuZulu kaZwelithini risks damaging the image of the royal house.
The conflict centres on the dismissal of Inkosi Malusi Zondi as royal chancellor and Nododile Ndamase as chief director in the king’s private office. No reasons were given for their removal or for the subsequent disestablishment of the two offices.
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party, the official opposition in the provincial legislature, believes the changes are part of a factional battle to influence the king’s inner circle. The party alleges that Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the MEC for cooperative governance and traditional affairs who also serves as AmaZulu traditional prime minister, is the key mover behind the dismissals.
MK Party chief whip Bonginkosi Mngadi said Buthelezi is using his role to fight those he believes are too close to the king. He added that while the party respects the king, rogue elements should not interfere in royal affairs.
A senior royal source said competing factions are jostling for influence and access to financial resources within the royal household. The source said the introduction of the royal chancellor position, which did not previously exist, deepened tensions. Some felt Zondi was gaining more popularity than the traditional prime minister.
Adding to the confusion, King Misuzulu reportedly denied sanctioning the dismissals. In a leaked conversation, the king suggested there may have been unauthorised activity in his office, telling Ndamase he did not know about the dismissal letters.
The Democratic Alliance said the ongoing instability and political interference are unsustainable for the royal house. Provincial leader Sithembiso Ngema said the current arrangement allows political actors to present state funding as a favour to the royal family.
Royal house spokesperson Prince Thulani Zulu added further uncertainty, saying a meeting was held where the king announced Zondi and Prince Afrika Zulu would be assigned new roles, and that they have not been totally removed.
Cogta spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila declined to comment on the allegations against Buthelezi.