Internal power struggle blamed for confusion over Zulu royal dismissals

Conflicting statements follow announcements about senior royal removals

Confusion erupted over the reported removal of two senior officials in the AmaZulu royal household after a statement issued by the king’s Prime Minister was denied by the men named in it.

What happened

On Friday, the Zulu Prime Minister, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, issued a statement on behalf of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini announcing the removal of Royal Chancellor inkosi Malusi Zondi and the dissolution of the king’s private office, which is controlled by Arnold Nododile.

Immediately after the statement, both Zondi and Nododile dismissed the announcement as fake and said they had not been informed by the king of any dismissal. Both men told the public they remained in their offices and were continuing with their duties. In a recorded video clip, Zondi said he was still the royal chancellor and that the news had come as a shock to him.

King’s spokesperson and further developments

The king’s spokesperson, Prince Thulani Zulu, confirmed the authenticity of the statement and told the Zulu nation on Ukhozi FM that the king had been present when Buthelezi briefed him that he would issue the statement. When asked about the denials by Zondi and Nododile, Prince Thulani Zulu said he would not comment and that the king and the Prime Minister would clarify the matter when meeting with KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli.

“This was not my statement. It was written by the Prime Minister and my job is to take media queries,”

Source points to an internal power struggle

According to Iol, a senior official in the Zulu Prime Minister Executive Council attributed the dismissals and the dissolution of the king’s private office to a power struggle over proximity to the king. The source said the dispute stems from who has direct access to and influence with King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.

Also according to Iol, the senior royal family official described an ongoing “cold war” between PMEC officials and said that the establishment of the six-member Prime Minister Executive Council led by the traditional Prime Minister changed decision-making dynamics. The source said that, previously, the Prime Minister enjoyed greater powers and would announce matters after speaking to the king, but under the PMEC arrangement decisions must first be discussed by the structure before implementation.

“The bigger issue is who gets to be listened to by the king most. It’s a proximity war,” said the source.

Where things stand

Both Zondi and Nododile told the public they had spoken personally to the king, who denied knowledge of any decision to remove them. The Prime Minister had not responded to questions about the confusion at the time of reporting.

Key facts:

• Two senior officials named in a dismissal statement: Royal Chancellor inkosi Malusi Zondi and Arnold Nododile, who controls the king’s private office.
• The statement was issued by the Prime Minister, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi.
• Both named officials denied the statement and said they remain in office.
• A senior official told Iol the dispute reflects a power struggle over proximity to the king.

The situation remains unresolved pending clarification from King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and the Prime Minister when they meet Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, according to the king’s spokesperson.