MK Party Mocks Thulasizwe Buthelezi After Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza Becomes Zulu Prime Minister
The political rivalry between the Umkhonto WeSizwe Party (MK Party) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) spilled into the KwaZulu Natal Legislature this week as MK Party members openly celebrated the removal of Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi as the Zulu Prime Minister.
Buthelezi, a senior IFP figure and KwaZulu Natal MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, was still seated in the Legislature when MK Party members welcomed the appointment of his successor, Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza, with remarks that reflected the deep divisions between the two political movements.
Chiliza, who serves as an MK Party leader in the KwaZulu Natal Legislature, has now taken over the traditional leadership role after being appointed by King Misuzulu Sinqobile kaZwelithini.
The announcement has intensified political tensions between the MK Party and the IFP, two parties that have become fierce rivals in the province. The MK Party has previously accused the IFP of preventing it from forming the provincial government after coalition arrangements were reached with smaller parties.
During the Legislature sitting, four MK Party members expressed their satisfaction with Buthelezi’s departure from the royal position.
One of them, MK Party member Silindile Seme, welcomed Chiliza’s appointment before taking a swipe at Buthelezi.
“We sympathise with you,” Seme said, adding: “And yet you have already bought so many cars!”
The remarks drew attention as Buthelezi sat in the chamber while the comments were made.
King Misuzulu Announces Leadership Change
The removal of Buthelezi was announced by the King’s spokesperson, Prince Regent Mpikayise Buthelezi.
“The King has sent me to announce to the entire Zulu nation that we wish to relieve the reverend, who was the Zulu prime minister, from this highly demanding responsibility of being the Zulu Prime Minister,” Prince Regent Buthelezi said.
He confirmed that Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza had been selected as the new Zulu Prime Minister while Buthelezi would continue with his government responsibilities.
The King’s office expressed appreciation for Buthelezi’s contribution during his time in the position and thanked him for his service to the Zulu nation.
The Monarch also called on the Royal House, traditional leaders, amakhosi, izinduna, and the wider Zulu community to support the new leadership arrangement.
“Inkosi Chiliza will be the one advising the King and overseeing the operations of the Office of the Zulu Prime Minister,” the statement from the King’s office said.
Chiliza previously served as Deputy Zulu Prime Minister before being elevated to the top traditional advisory position.
Buthelezi’s Second Removal From the Role
The latest announcement marks another dramatic chapter in Buthelezi’s short and turbulent tenure as Zulu Prime Minister.
He was initially appointed during the commemoration of the Battle of Isandlwana in 2024. However, he was removed from the position later that year before being reinstated towards the end of the following year.
His latest dismissal means he has now lost the royal position for a second time.
It remains uncertain whether the role of Deputy Zulu Prime Minister will continue or whether the position will be scrapped following Chiliza’s appointment.
Further Changes Within King Misuzulu’s Office
Buthelezi’s removal comes amid a series of leadership changes within the Zulu Royal House.
The King recently dismissed his former spokesperson, Prince Thulani kaGqikazi Zulu.
The changes continued last week when Prince Khishwengubani resigned from the Monarch’s office less than two months after his appointment.
With new figures entering key positions around King Misuzulu, the latest developments signal a period of significant restructuring within the Zulu Royal House as it seeks to strengthen its administrative and advisory structures.
