Cape Town – Former AmaZulu Prime Minister Thulasizwe Buthelezi has revealed that he learned of his dismissal from the media and has not yet received official confirmation from Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
Reports on Friday indicated that King Misuzulu had dismissed Buthelezi as the Zulu Traditional Prime Minister, effective immediately.
The announcement was made in a letter dated December 25, 2024, with the King stating that the reasons for the dismissal will be shared with traditional leaders and the nation later.
BREAKING NEWS: Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi has been officially sacked as the traditional prime minister of the Zulu monarch and nation, a key and influential position in the historic kingdom.
Buthelezi was sacked by the King of the Zulu yesterday, and his dismissal was… pic.twitter.com/qNBd9v1YMN
— Sihle Mavuso (@ZANewsFlash) December 27, 2024
“I address you with a heavy heart as I announce my withdrawal with immediate effect of the name of Rev Thulasizwe Dominic Buthelezi from this esteemed position. Reasons for the withdrawal are to be shared with traditional leaders and the nation in due course as we are still observing uMkhosi until the end of January,” the Zulu King said in the letter.
Speaking during a media briefing in Ulundi on saturday, Buthelezi emphasised his loyalty to the King, said that the Prime Minister’s role was at the King’s discretion.
“His majesty has not informed me of his decision to release me from my duties as his prime minister. I only learnt about this decision through the social media and thereafter through a WhatsApp message from Prince Simphiwe of KwaMinya yesterday (Friday, 27 December 2024),” he said.
[LIVE NOW] Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi is no longer the Traditional Prime Minister of the Zulu Nation. Buthelezi was appointed in January, during the Battle of Isandlwana Commemoration in Nquthu, northern KZN.
More: https://t.co/WRvFrzWdUb#eNCA #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/sJ1YU4Ey6W— eNCA (@eNCA) December 28, 2024
Buthelezi expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, awaiting direct communication from the King regarding his removal.
“The appointment of the Prime Minister is the sole prerogative of His Majesty the King. I am a subject of His Majesty and serve at the King’s pleasure. I will wait until His Majesty the King informs me about his decision because, up until now, the King has not said anything to me.”
“If the King has decided that I should step down from my position, all I can do is express my gratitude to His Majesty for the honour of serving him and the Zulu nation,” said Buthelezi.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
