Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi – the traditional prime minister to the Zulu Monarch and nation – has rejected as false reports of a “rift” between himself and King Misuzulu KaZwelithini over the stewardship of the Ingonyama Trust.
Prince Buthelezi, who is the author of the legislation that placed the land of the Zulu Kingdom into the Ingonyama Trust and made the king the sole custodian of the land, said there was “no rift”.
“There is no rift whatsoever, which is clear from the fact that we continue to communicate on all matters relating to the Kingdom and will meet within the next few days to discuss developments within the Ingonyama Trust Board,” said Prince Buthelezi in a communique on Sunday.
The matter came under the spotlight following a press conference held on Thursday by Amakhosi of the Zulu Kingdom, in which they expressed concerns over recent developments in the Ingonyama Trust Board.
Commenting on the situation, Prince Buthelezi said: “I was approached by the media to clarify the situation regarding the chairperson who was nominated by His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu and whose nomination was subsequently confirmed by His Majesty King Misuzulu KaZwelithini”.
He added: “I provided the facts as they are known to me, but was hesitant to speak to rumours and hearsay, as His Majesty the King had not yet fully briefed me.
“At His Majesty’s request, the King and I will be meeting next week, so that he can consult with me as his traditional prime minister.
“This is in line with what his father, our late King, would do, particularly on matters surrounding the Ingonyama Trust, as I am the author of the legislation that placed the land of the Zulu Kingdom into a Trust, making His Majesty the sole custodian of our land.”
Prince Buthelezi said the present matters were creating so much uncertainty and concerns will thus be clarified soon.
“In the meantime, it is opportunistic for anyone to portray the present situation as evidence of a rift between His Majesty and I as his Traditional Prime Minister,” said Prince Buthelezi.
“One cannot help but wonder whether the so-called ‘rift’ dreamed up by Prof. Musa Xulu of Indonsa yeSizwe is an expression of wishful thinking.”
