Some commanders of the Zulu nation’s Amabutho (Zulu regiments) have expressed their desire for Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini to provide an explanation regarding his recent appointment of the nation’s prime minister.
Two weeks ago, the king announced the appointment of IFP Zululand District Mayor Thulasizwe Buthelezi as the new Zulu nation prime minister, replacing the long-serving prime minister Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who passed away in September.
While the Amabutho commanders, who convened in Empangeni in northern KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday, have pledged their loyalty to King Misuzulu, they seek clarification on his decision to appoint the IFP mayor as prime minister.
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Zakheleni Xulu, one of the commanders present at the meeting, described the appointment of the IFP mayor as “problematic.” Xulu stated, “As commanders of the Amabutho, we acknowledge that the appointment of a Zulu nation prime minister lies within the prerogative of Isilo (the King).
However, our concern arises from the fact that the new prime minister is neither an inkosi (chief) nor a member of the Zulu royal family. He is just an ordinary person. Historically, the position of prime minister has always been held by a person who is either a member of the royal family or an inkosi.
Our predicament as commanders is that we are expected to salute the prime minister during traditional ceremonies and other events. In the case of the new prime minister, the Amabutho will find it difficult to salute an ordinary person. Hence, we are seeking an audience with the king to receive guidance on this matter.”
The previous prime minister, Buthelezi, was both a member of the royal family and an inkosi. Professor Sihawu Ngubane, a Zulu cultural expert, emphasized the importance of a Zulu prime minister being part of the Zulu nation’s traditional leadership structure.
He stated, “While the king has the right to appoint a person of his choice, it is crucial for a Zulu prime minister to be integrated into the Zulu nation’s traditional leadership structure.
My concern about the new prime minister is that, since he is not an inkosi, he may not possess the same authority that the late prime minister had over amakhosi (chiefs) and traditional matters.”
In response to the concerns raised, the new Zulu nation’s prime minister, who currently also serves as the spokesperson for the king, mentioned that His Majesty will only address formal grievances. He stated, “As things stand, we are unaware of the meeting you are referring to.”
It is evident that the appointment of the IFP mayor as the Zulu nation’s prime minister has sparked concerns among some Amabutho commanders. They seek clarity on the decision, particularly regarding the prime minister’s lack of royal lineage or chieftaincy.
While the king has the authority to make such appointments, the commanders emphasize the importance of maintaining the traditional leadership structure of the Zulu nation. It remains to be seen how the king will address these concerns and provide guidance on the matter.
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