King Misuzulu's decision to reinstate PM, welcomed

TRADITIONAL leaders (amakhosi) in KwaZulu-Natal have welcomed the reinstatement of Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi to the position of amaZulu Traditional Prime Minister almost a year after King Misuzulu kaZwelithini unceremoniously removed him from the position.

- WILLEM PHUNGULA

Buthelezi, the current KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC in the IFP-led Government of Provincial Unity, was removed on December 25, with the king not providing an explanation for the dismissal.

In a surprise move on Tuesday evening, Buthelezi was again sworn-in as Traditional Prime Minister at the Mashobeni royal palace.

The king confirmed his appointment in a statement issued before midnight

Reacting to the announcement, the chairperson of the provincial House of Traditional Leaders, Inkosi Sifiso Shinga welcomed the king’s move, saying amakhosi in the province were happy with the reappointment.

"It is the prerogative of the king to appoint the Prime Minister of his choice, which we welcome as amakhosi. Although in a working environment we cannot always agree on everything, the amakhosi have a cordial working relationship with Buthelezi," said Shinga.