KZN traditional leaders welcome King Misuzulu's decision on Prime Minister

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 [e-mail]

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

In a surprise move on Tuesday night, Buthelezi was again sworn in as Traditional Prime Minister at the Mashobeni royal palace. In a statement issued before midnight, the king confirmed his appointment.

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, amakhosi have a cordial working relationship with Buthelezi,” said Shinga.