Thulasizwe Buthelezi. Picture: Facebook
Durban — The IFP’S Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi’s meteoric rise in the AmaZulu traditional household came crashing down on Friday after King Misuzulu kaZwelithini abruptly sacked him on Friday as the prime minister of the Zulu nation.
This position was previously held by the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, founder and leader of the IFP, who died in September last year after an illness.
This decision has sparked rampant speculation about divisions within the Zulu royal household and raised questions about the future of traditional leadership in South Africa.
Buthelezi’s rise to prominence has made him a key figure in the IFP’s power dynamics ahead of the party’s elective conference early next year.
He is the MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal.
Who is Reverend Buthelezi?
Buthelezi, the former mayor of the Zululand Municipality, was born on January 15 1975 in Nongoma, northern KZN. He attended St Francis College and obtained a public administration degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) before embarking on his political career.
During his tenure as prime minister, Buthelezi advised the king on traditional matters. However, he also faced a barrage of controversies, including allegations of political corruption, which marred his reputation and compromised his leadership.
In recent months, accusations surfaced linking him to incitement of violence and collusion in dubious tender awards, amplifying concerns over governance and moral integrity within the royal administration.
The decision by King Misuzulu to terminate Buthelezi’s position has, once again, laid bare the simmering tensions in Zulu traditional governance affairs.
Observers are questioning whether this move signals a broader attempt by the king to reassert control and address a growing perception of instability in the top echelons of leadership.
Public sentiment towards Buthelezi is significantly mixed.
While many laud his commitment to promoting cultural heritage and community welfare and admire his personal dedication to family and community, others voice criticism over his handling of political challenges and controversies that have plagued his short-lived tenure.
It remains to be seen how his next steps will shape the landscape of Zulu politics and cultural heritage in the coming months.
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Daily News