King MisuZulu kaZwelithini announced the appointment of Thulasizwe Buthelezi as the new prime minister of the AmaZulu nation at the Battle of Isandlwana commemoration held in Nquthu,

Buthelezi, who is mayor of the Zululand District Municipality, takes over the reins from the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. The king also announced his deputy as Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza of the Amadunge clan.

The King said Buthelezi worked well and very closely with his late father and has proven to be honest and loyal.

"People of my ancestors, here?s the opportunity you have been waiting for. You may recall that I fasted and prayed about this,and God gave me clarity on this.

Because I am a believer, I cannot rule such a big nation and ignore the existence of God. I?ve appointed Thulasizwe Buthelezi as the traditional prime minister. The chief worked very closely with the late King Zwelithini. He worked very hard and is trustworthy," the king said.

The king added that his decision had nothing to do with politics but everything to do with amaZulu traditional customs.

"Remember that I stated that my decision is not political. If you see it that way, you would be gravely misguided. With these words, people of my ancestors, I wish to add that the person I am appointing today ,fortunately, I have worked with him and he has also worked with the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.He is aware of how diligent the prince was,"he said.

The powers of a Zulu traditional prime minister are often ceremonial and advisory in nature and do not override the legislative and administrative frameworks of the South African government.

University of KwaZulu-Natal academic and cultural expert Dr Gugu Mazibuko explained that the role of a prime minister demands a vast knowledge of customs and cultural practices and the nation's history, it is equally important that it be held by someone senior.

This role often includes advising the AmaZulu king on matters of tradition and culture, overseeing community welfare and acting as a bridge between the traditional leadership and government structures.

?The prime minister is the king's confidant and that is why the appointment would be handled by the royal household and not be influenced by what outsiders may be saying."