King Misuzulu fires Traditional Prime Minister Thulasizwe Buthelezi again

Thulasizwe Buthelezi

Durban – AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has once again dismissed Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi as the Traditional Prime Minister (uNdunankulu) of the Zulu Nation and appointed his deputy, Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza, as his replacement.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the King’s office said the dismissal was made in terms of Clause 7 of the Appointment and Mandate signed on 2 December 2025, which gives the King the authority to terminate the appointment by written notice, IOL reported.

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

The King thanked Buthelezi for his service and wished him well, adding that he has “full confidence in Inkosi Chiliza’s leadership, wisdom, and steadfast commitment to the Zulu Throne.”

The royal household also called on members of the Royal House, amakhosi, izinduna and the broader Zulu Nation to support Chiliza in his new role.

The King’s office said that “with immediate effect, all official correspondence, engagements, and matters relating to the Office of the Traditional Prime Minister shall be directed to Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza.”

Buthelezi, an IFP leader and KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, was first appointed Traditional Prime Minister in early 2024, removed later that year, and has now been dismissed again.

News24 reported that this is the second time King Misuzulu has removed Buthelezi from the position. The reverend was first dismissed in December 2024 after serving for 11 months, with the King at the time saying some of his conduct was “inconsistent with the values and principles that underpin this sacred office.”

The King later reappointed Buthelezi as Traditional Prime Minister in December 2025 under a revised mandate that limited some of the office’s powers. His latest dismissal comes amid continued changes within the royal household, including the recent appointment of Prince Mpiyakhe Buthelezi as the King’s new spokesperson following the dismissal of Prince Thulani Zulu earlier this month, the report said.

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