Traditional Prime Minister Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi says he is willing to step down from his position as the Zulu Monarch Prime Minister if Misuzulu kaZwelithini does not protect the land under Ingonyama Trust. Buthelezi said this yesterday at an imbizo with amakhosi in Empangeni. The imbizo was called by Buthelezi to address amakhosi about new developments when it comes to the Ingonyama trust. The imbizo was attended by hundreds of chiefs across the province and Inkatha Freedom Party mayors in KZN.

NOT SEEING EYE TO EYE

This comes just days after it emerged that Misuzulu and Buthelezi were not seeing eye to eye. During his speech, Buthelezi accused the ANC and those close to Misuzulu of wanting to steal the Ingonyama Trust as they had appointed their people to the board. "I am bewildered by the prospect of Ingonyama Trust land being made vulnerable by our King. I find it very difficult to continue serving under these circumstances. I am determined to abandon my King and my commitment to serve his Majesty with the same dedication and self-sacrifice with which I served his late father and his grandfather," he said adding," His Majesty is making it impossible for me to continue to serve. I fear that we have reached a point where I have to explain to the nation why I am compelled to step aside as the Prime Minister. It is not my wish to step away from the king, but if the king refuses to hear my plea for the Ingonyama Trust, I cannot continue to serve," he said.

BUTHELEZI'S FEARS

Buthelezi further said that he feared that amakhosi who administer the land of Ingonyama Trust and the Zulu nation would accuse him of abandoning them. "I will be accused of abandoning His Majesty as well as his position which is most vulnerable and will be challenged in court next week. The people who want the King to be defenestrated because they are claiming his throne are in court," he said. Buthelezi further accused the ruling party and close allies of Misuzulu, businessman Jacob Mnisi and Inkosi Thanduyise Mzimela of ill-advising the King. Misuzulu is expected to face off with his brother Prince Simakade in court over his kingship on May 31 and June 1.