King Misuzulu fires traditional prime minister Thulasizwe Buthelezi again

King Misuzulu has again dismissed his traditional prime minister, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, signalling another change at the top of the Zulu royal household.

What happened

It was announced on 14 July 2026 that Buthelezi had been replaced by his deputy, Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza. The kingdom said Buthelezi was “released from all duties, responsibilities, and authority associated with the Office of the Traditional Prime minister.”

Authority cited for the decision

The kingdom said the decision was carried out under the terms of the Appointment and Mandate concluded on 2 December 2025. In its statement the kingdom quoted Clause 7 of that mandate, saying it “vests in His Majesty the sole prerogative to terminate the appointment by written notice.”

Background

The announcement notes that the king had previously sacked Buthelezi in December 2024 and then reinstated him a year later. The recent statement confirmed the transfer of duties to Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza.

Official wording

“Reverend Buthelezi has accordingly been released from all duties, responsibilities, and authority associated with the Office of the Traditional Prime minister,” the kingdom said.

This is a developing story.